Methods and means for the manufacturing of hyaluronan

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to plant cells and plants which synthesize hyaluronan and to methods for preparing such plants, and also to methods for preparing hyaluronan with the aid of these plant cells or plants. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of plants for preparing hyaluronan and to food or feed which comprises hyaluronan.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/233,089, filed Sep. 23, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,558,060, and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/612,344, filed on Sep. 23, 2004, and European Patent Application No. 04090373.4, filed on Sep. 23, 2004, the disclosures of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to plant cells and plants which synthesize hyaluronan, and to methods for preparing such plants, and also to methods for preparing hyaluronan with the aid of these plant cells or plants. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of plants for preparing hyaluronan and hyaluronan-containing food or feed.

(2) Description of the Related Art

Hyaluronan is a naturally occurring unbranched, linear mucopolysaccharide (glucosaminoglucan) which is constructed of alternating molecules of glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-glucosamine. The basic building block of hyaluronan consists of the disaccharide glucuronic acid-beta-1,3-N-acetyl-glucosamine. In hyaluronan, these repeating units are attached to one another by beta-1,4 linkages.

In pharmacy, use is frequently made of the term hyaluronic acid. Since hyaluronan is in most cases present as polyanion and not as free acid, hereinbelow, the term hyaluronan is preferably used, but each term is to be understood as embracing both molecular forms.

Hyaluronan has unusual physical chemical properties, such as, for example, properties of polyelectrolytes, viscoelastic properties, a high capacity to bind water, properties of gel formation, which, in addition to further properties of hyaluronan, are described in a review article by Lapcik et al. (1998, Chemical Reviews 98(8), 2663-2684). The specific properties of hyaluronan are determined inter alia by the molecular weight and the molecular weight distribution of the hyaluronan in question.

Hyaluronan is a component of extracellular connective tissue and bodily fluids of vertebrates. In humans, hyaluronic acid is synthesized by the cell membrane of all body cells, especially mesenchymal cells, and ubiquitously present in the body with a particularly high concentration in the connective tissues, the extracellular matrix, the umbilical cord, the joint fluid, the cartilageous tissue, the skin and the vitreous body of the eye (Bernhard Gebauer, 1998, Inaugural-Dissertation, Virchow-Klinikum Medizinische Fakultät Charité der Humboldt Universität zu Berlin; Fraser et al., 1997, Journal of Internal Medicine 242, 27-33).

Recently, hyaluronan was also found in animal non-vertebrate organisms (molluscs) (Volpi and Maccari, 2003, Biochimie 85, 619-625).

Furthermore, some pathogenic gram-positive bacteria (Streptococcus group A and C) and gram-negative bacteria (Pasteurella) synthesize hyaluronan as exopolysaccharides which protect these bacteria against attack by the immune system of their host, since hyaluronan is a non-immunogenic substance.

Viruses which infect single-cell green algae of the genus Chlorella, some of which are present as endosymbionts in Paramecium species, bestow upon the single-cell green algae the ability to synthesize hyaluronan after infection by the virus (Graves et al., 1999, Virology 257, 15-23). Hitherto, this is the only example from the systematic kingdom of the plants where the synthesis of hyaluronan was demonstrated. However, the ability to synthesize hyaluronan is not a feature which characterizes the algae in question. The ability of the algae to synthesize hyaluronan is mediated by an infection with a virus whose genome has a sequence coding for hyaluronan synthase (DeAngelis, 1997. Science 278, 1800-1803). Furthermore, the virus genome contains sequences coding for a UDP-glucose dehydrogenase (UDP-Glc-DH) and a glutamine: fructose 6-phosphate amidotransferase (GFTA). UDP-Glc-DH catalyses the synthesis of UDP-glucuronic acid used as substrate by hyaluronan synthase. GFTA converts fructose 6-phosphate into glucosamine 6-phosphate which is an important metabolite in the metabolic pathway for hyaluronan synthesis. Both genes encode active proteins which, like the hyaluronan synthase of the virus, are transcribed simultaneously in the early phase of the viral infection (DeAngelis et al., 1997, Science 278, 1800-1803, Graves et al., 1999, Virology 257, 15-23). Plants themselves do not have any nucleic acids in their genome which code for proteins catalysing the synthesis of hyaluronan and, although a large number of plant carbohydrates have been described and characterized, it has hitherto not been possible to detect hyaluronan or molecules related to hyaluronan in non-infected plants (Graves et al., 1999, Virology 257, 15-23).

The catalysis of the hyaluronan synthesis is effected by a single membrane-integrated or membrane-associated enzyme, hyaluronan synthase. The hyaluronan synthases which have hitherto been studied can be classified into two groups: hyaluronan synthases of Class I and hyaluronan synthases of Class II (DeAngelis, 1999, CMLS, Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences 56, 670-682).

The hyaluronan synthases of vertebrates are further distinguished by the identified isoenzymes. The different isoenzymes are referred to in the order of their identification using Arabic numbers (for example, hsHAS 1, hsHAS2, hsHAS3).

The unusual properties of hyaluronan offer a wealth of possibilities for application in various fields, such as, for example, pharmacy, the cosmetics industry, in the production of food and feed, in technical applications (for example as lubricants), etc. The most important applications where hyaluronan is currently being used are in the medicinal and cosmetics field (see, for example, Lapcik et al., 1998, Chemical Reviews 98(8), 2663-2684, Goa and Benfield, 1994, Drugs 47(3), 536-566).

In the medical field, hyaluronan-containing products are currently used for the intraarticular treatment of arthrosis and in ophthalmics used for eye surgery. Hyaluronan is also used for treating joint disorders in racehorses. In addition, hyaluronic acid is a component of some rhinologics which, for example in the form of eye drops and nasalia, serve to moisten dry mucous membranes. Hyaluronan-containing solutions for injection are used as analgesics and antirheumatics. Patches comprising hyaluronan or derivatized hyaluronan are employed in wound healing. As dermatics, hyaluronan-containing gel implants are used for correcting skin deformations in plastic surgery.

For pharmacological applications, preference is given to using hyaluronan having a high molecular weight.

In cosmetic medicine, hyaluronan preparations are among the most suitable skin filler materials. By injecting hyaluronan, for a limited period of time, it is possible to smooth wrinkles or to increase the volume of lips.

In cosmetic products, in particular in skin creams and lotions, hyaluronan is frequently used as moisturizer by virtue of its high water-binding capacity.

Further possibilities of application in the medicinal and cosmetics field, such as, for example, the use of hyaluronan as carrier for active compounds which ensures a controlled release of the active compound over a long period of time, as carrier for active compounds which transports the active compounds in a targeted manner into the lymphatic system or as active compound which, after application as an ointment, ensures that the active compound remains in the skin for a relatively long period of time, are described in Lapcik et al. (1998, Chemical Reviews 98(8), 2663-2684). The use of hyaluronan derivatives in the medicinal field requires further research efforts; however, first results have already revealed a large potential (Lapcik et al. 1998, Chemical Reviews 98(8), 2663-2684).

Furthermore, hyaluronan-containing preparations are sold as so-called nutraceuticals (food supplements) which can also be used in animals (for example dogs, horses) for the prophylaxis and alleviation of arthrosis.

Hyaluronan used for commercial purposes is currently isolated from animal tissues (rooster combs) or prepared fermentatively using bacterial cultures.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,141,973 describes a process for isolating hyaluronan from rooster combs or alternatively from umbilical cords. In addition to hyaluronan, animal tissues (for example rooster combs, umbilical cords) also contain further mucopolysaccharides related to hyaluronan, such as chondroitin sulphate, dermatan sulphate, keratan sulphate, heparan sulphate and heparin. Furthermore, animal organisms contain proteins (hyaladherins) which bind specifically to hyaluronan and which are required for the most different functions in the organism, such as, for example, the degradation of hyaluronan in the liver, the function of hyaluronan as lead structure for cell migration, the regulation of endocytosis, the anchoring of hyaluronan on the cell surface or the formation of hyaluronan networks (Turley, 1991, Adv Drug Delivery Rev 7, 257 ff.; Laurent and Fraser, 1992, FASEB J. 6, 183 ff.; Stamenkovic and Aruffo, 1993, Methods Enzymol. 245, 195 ff; Knudson and Knudson, 1993, EASES 7, 1233 ff.).

The Streptococcus strains used for the bacterial production of hyaluronan are exclusively pathogenic bacteria. During cultivation, too, these bacteria produce (pyrogenic) exotoxins and haemolysins (streptolysin, (in particular alpha- and beta-haemolysin) (Kilian, M.: Streptococcus and Enterococcus. In: Medical Microbiology. Greenwood, D.; Slack, RCA; Peutherer, J. F. (Eds.). Chapter 16. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, UK: pp. 174-188, 2002, ISBN 0443070776) which are released into the culture medium. This renders purification and isolation of the hyaluronan prepared with the aid of Streptococcus strains more difficult. In particular for pharmaceutical application, the presence of exotoxins and haemolysins in the preparation is a problem.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,801,539 describes the preparation of hyaluronan by fermentation of a mutagenized bacterial strain (Streptococcus zooedemicus). The mutagenized bacteria strain used no longer synthesizes beta-haemolysin. The yield achieved was 3.6 g of hyaluronan per liter of culture.

EP 0694616 describes a method for cultivating Streptococcus zooedemicus or Streptococcus equi, where, under the culture conditions employed, no streptolysin, but increased amounts of hyaluronan are synthesized. The yield achieved was 3.5 g of hyaluronan per liter of culture.

During cultivation, Streptococcus strains release the enzyme hyaluronidase into the culture medium, as a consequence of which, in this production system, too, the molecular weight is reduced during purification. The use of hyaluronidase-negative Streptococcus strains or of methods for the production of hyaluronan where the production of hyaluronidase during cultivation is inhibited are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,782,046. The yield achieved was up to 2.5 g of hyaluronan per liter of culture, and the maximum mean molecular weight achieved was 3.8×10⁶ Da, at a molecular weight distribution of from 2.4×10⁶ to 4.0×10⁶.

US 20030175902 and WO 03 054163 describe the preparation of hyaluronan with the aid of heterologous expression of a hyaluronan synthase from Streptococcus equisimilis in Bacillus subtilis. To achieve the production of sufficient amounts of hyaluronan, in addition to heterologous expression of a hyaluronan synthase, simultaneous expression of an UDP-glucose dehydrogenase in the Bacillus cells is also required. US 20030175902 and WO 03 054163 do not state the absolute amount of hyaluronan obtained in the production with the aid of Bacillus subtilis. The maximum mean molecular weight achieved was about 4.2×10⁶. However, this mean molecular weight was only achieved for the recombinant Bacillus strain where a gene coding for the hyaluronan synthase gene from Streptococcus equisimilis and the gene coding for the UDP-glucose dehydrogenase from Bacillus subtilis were integrated into the Bacillus subtilis genome under the control of the amyQ promoter, where at the same time the Bacillus subtilis-endogenous cxpY gene (which codes for a cytochrome P450 oxidase) was inactivated.

The production of hyaluronan by fermentation of bacteria strains is associated with high costs, since the bacteria have to be fermented in sealed sterile containers under expensive controlled culture conditions (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,897,349). Furthermore, the amount of hyaluronan which can be produced by fermentation of bacteria strains is limited by the production facilities present in each case. Here, it also has to be taken into account that fermenters, as a consequence of physical laws, cannot be built for excessively large culture volumes. Particular mention may be made here of homogeneous mixing of the substances fed in from the outside (for example essential nutrient sources for bacteria, reagents for regulating the pH, oxygen) with the culture medium required for efficient production, which, in large fermenters, can be ensured only with great technical expenditure, if at all.

The purification of hyaluronan from animal organisms is complicated owing to the presence, in animal tissues, of other mucopolysaccharides and proteins which specifically bind to hyaluronan. In patients, the use of hyaluronan-containing medicinal preparations contaminated by animal proteins can result in unwanted immunological reactions of the body (U.S. Pat. No. 4,141,973), in particular if the patient is allergic to animal proteins (for example chicken egg white). Furthermore, the amounts (yields) of hyaluronan which can be obtained from animal tissues in satisfactory quality and purity are low (rooster comb: 0.079% w/w, EP 0144019, U.S. Pat. No. 4,782,046), which necessitates the processing of large amounts of animal tissues. A further problem in the isolation of hyaluronan from animal tissues consists in effect that the molecular weight of hyaluronan during purification is reduced since animal tissues also contain a hyaluronan-degrading enzyme (hyaluronidase).

In addition to the hyaluronidases and exotoxins mentioned, Streptococcus strains also produce endotoxins which, when present in pharmacological products, pose risks for the health of the patient. In a scientific study, it was shown that even hyaluronan-containing medicinal products on the market contain detectable amounts of bacterial endotoxins (Dick et al., 2003, Eur J Opthalmol. 13(2), 176-184). A further disadvantage of the hyaluronan produced with the aid of Streptococcus strains is the fact that the isolated hyaluronan has a lower molecular weight than hyaluronan isolated from rooster combs (Lapcik et al. 1998, Chemical Reviews 98(8), 2663-2684). US 20030134393 describes the use of a Streptococcus strain for producing hyaluronan which synthesizes a particularly pronounced hyaluronan capsule (supercapsulated). The hyaluronan isolated after fermentation had a molecular weight of 9.1×10⁶. However, the yield was only 350 mg per liter.

Although hyaluronan has unusual properties, it is, owing to its scarcity and the high price, rarely, if at all, used for industrial applications.

SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide means and methods which permit the provision of hyaluronan in sufficient amounts and quality and which make it possible to provide hyaluronan even for industrial applications and applications in the field of food and feed.

This object is achieved by the embodiments disclosed herein.

Thus, the present invention relates to a plant cell or a plant, characterized in that it has, stably integrated into its genome, a nucleic acid molecule coding for a hyaluronan synthase.

The present invention also provides plant cells or plants which synthesize hyaluronan. A preferred embodiment are plant cells according to the invention or plants according to the invention which synthesize hyaluronan.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1: shows a calibration line and the associated equation of the regression line used for calculating the hyaluronan content in plant tissue. The calibration line was drawn using the commercial test kit (hyaluronic acid (HA) test kit from Corgenix, Inc., Colorado, USA, Prod. No. 029-001) and the standard solutions contained therein.

FIG. 2: shows the separation of different hyaluronan-containing samples using an agarose gel. Hyaluronan isolated from rooster comb (Sigma, Prod. No. H5388) was applied in lane A, hyaluronan isolated from the culture supernatant of a fermentation of Streptococcus sp. (Calbiochem, Prod. No. 385908) was applied in lane B, extracts of a tuber of a wild-type plant were applied in lane C, extracts of a tuber of the transgenic line 365 ES 66 were applied in lane D, extracts of a tuber of the transgenic line 365 ES 44 were applied in lane E and extracts of a tuber of the transgenic line 365 ES 78, which does not synthesize hyaluronan, were applied in lane F.

FIG. 3: 1H-NMR spectra of potato extract from tubers of a wild-type plant (A), tubers of a transgenic line which synthesizes hyaluronan (B) and of hyaluronan isolated from rooster comb (Sigma, Prod. No. H5388) (C).

FIG. 4: Chromatogram of potato extract from tubers of a wild-type plant with hyaluronan isolated from rooster comb (Sigma, Prod. No. H5388) mixed in (LS 1), potato extract from tubers of transgenic plants which synthesize hyaluronan (LS 2) and hyaluronidase-digested potato extract from tubers of transgenic plants which synthesize hyaluronan (LS 3). What is shown is the light-scattering signal.

FIG. 5: Chromatogram of potato extract from tubers of a wild-type plant with hyaluronan isolated from rooster comb (Sigma, Prod. No. H5388) mixed in (Visco 1) potato extract from tubers of transgenic plants which synthesize hyaluronan (Visco 2) and hyaluronidase-digested potato extract from tubers of transgenic plants which synthesize hyaluronan (Visco 3). What is shown is the signal of the viscosity detector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hyaluronan can be isolated from plant cells according to the invention or plants according to the invention. Accordingly, plant cells according to the invention or plants according to the invention offer, compared to the prior art, the advantage that they can be cultivated on large areas for producing hyaluronan at little expense. This leads to the possibility to provide hyaluronan in sufficient amounts even for industrial application where it is currently not used owing to its scarcity and the high price. The only plant organisms which have hitherto been described for synthesis of hyaluronan, virus-infected algae of the genus Chlorella, are unsuitable for producing relatively large amounts of hyaluronan. In the production of hyaluronan, virus-infected algae have the disadvantage that the genes required for hyaluronan synthase are not stably integrated into their genome (Van Etten and Meints, 1999, Annu. Rev. Microbiol. 53, 447-494), so that, for producing hyaluronan, there have to be repeated virus infections. Accordingly, it is not possible to isolate individual Chlorella cells which synthesize continuously the desired quality and quantity of hyaluronan. Furthermore, in virus-infected Chlorella algae, hyaluronan is only produced for a limited period of time, and as a result of the lysis caused by the virus, the algae are killed only about 8 hours after the infection (Van Etten et al., 2002, Arch Virol 147, 1479-1516). In contrast, the present invention offers the advantage that the plants or plant cells according to the invention can be propagated in an unlimited manner vegetatively or sexually and that they produce hyaluronan continuously.

A further advantage of the present invention compared to the prior art is based on the fact that the plants according to the invention are autotrophic organisms, whereas currently, exclusively heterotrophic organisms are used for producing hyaluronan. As is known, the energy balance of heterotrophic organisms is considerably less efficient than in the case of autotrophic organisms, resulting in higher costs, at least in the production of hyaluronan by fermentation.

In the context of the present invention, the term “hyaluronan” is to be understood as meaning both a free acid (hyaluronic acid) and the polyanion form of a linear glucosamine comprising a plurality of basic building blocks of the disaccharide glucuronic acid beta-1,3-N-acetyl-glucosamine attached by beta-1,4 linkages.

In the context of the present invention, the term “hyaluronan synthase” (EC 2.4.1.212) is to be understood as meaning a protein which synthesizes hyaluronan from the substrates UDP-glucuronic acid (UDP-GlcA) and N-acetyl-glucosamine (UDP-GlcNAc). The hyaluronan synthesis is catalysed according to the reaction schemes below: nUDP-GlcA nUDP-GlcNAc→[GlcA-beta-1,3-GlcNAc]n+2nUDP

Nucleic acid molecules and corresponding protein sequences coding for hyaluronan synthases have been described, inter alia, for the following organisms: rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) ocHas2 (EMBL AB055978.1, US 20030235893), ocHas3 (EMBL AB055979.1, US 20030235893); baboon (Papio anubis) paHas1 (EMBL AY463695.1); frog (Xenopus laevis) xlHas1 (EMBL M22249.1, US 20030235893), xlHas2 (DG42) (EMBL AF168465.1), xlHas3 (EMBL AY302252.1); human (Homo sapiens) hsHAS1 (EMBL D84424.1, US 20030235893), hsHAS2 (EMBL U54804.1, US 20030235893), hsHAS3 (EMBL AF232772.1, US 20030235893); mouse (Mus musculus), mmHas1 (EMBL D82964.1, US 20030235893), mmHAS2 (EMBL U52524.2, US 20030235893), mmHas3 (EMBL U86408.2, US 20030235893); cattle (Bos taurus) btHas2 (EMBL AJ004951.1, US 20030235893); chicken (Gallus gallus) ggHas2 (EMBL AF106940.1, US 20030235893); rat (Rattus norvegicus) rnHas 1 (EMBL AB097568.1, Itano et al., 2004, J. Biol. Chem. 279(18) 18679-18678), rnHas2 (EMBL AF008201.1); rnHas 3 (NCBI NM_172319.1, Itano et al., 2004, J. Biol. Chem. 279(18) 18679-18678), horse (Equus caballus) ecHAS2 (EMBL AY056582.1, GI:23428486), pig (Sus scrofa) sscHAS2 (NCBI NM_214053.1. GI:47522921), sscHas 3 (EMBLAB159675), zebra fish (Danio rerio) brHas1 (EMBL AY437407), brHas2 (EMBL AF190742.1) brHas3 (EMBL AF190743.1); Pasteurella multocida pmHas (EMBL AF036004.2); Streptococcus pyogenes seHas (EMBL, L20853.1, L21187.1, U.S. Pat. No. 6,455,304, US 20030235893); Streptococcus equis seHas (EMBL AF347022.1, AY173078.1), Streptococcus uberis suHasA (EMBL AJ242946.2, US 20030235893), Streptococcus equisimilis seqHas (EMBL AF023876.1, US 20030235893); Sulfolobus solfataricus ssHAS (US 20030235893), Sulfolobus tokodaii stHas (AP000988.1), Paramecium bursaria Chlorella virus 1, cvHAS (EMBL U42580.3, PB42580, US 20030235893).

In the context of the present invention, the term “genome” is to be understood as meaning the entire genetic material present in a plant cell. It is known to the person skilled in the art that, in addition to the nucleus, other compartments (for example plastids, mitochondria) also contain genetic material.

In the context of the present invention, the term “stably integrated nucleic acid molecule” is to be understood as meaning the integration of a nucleic acid molecule into the genome of the plant. A stably integrated nucleic acid molecule is characterized in that, during the replication of the corresponding integration site, it is multiplied together with the nucleic acid sequences of the host which border on the integration site, so that the integration site in the replicated DNA strand is surrounded by the same nucleic acid sequences as on the strand which serves as a matrix for the replication. Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule is stably integrated into the genome of the nucleus.

A stable integration of a nucleic acid molecule into the genome of a plant cell or plant can be demonstrated by genetic methods and/or methods of molecular biology. A stable integration of a nucleic acid molecule into the genome of a plant cell or the genome of a plant is characterized in that in the progeny which has inherited said nucleic acid molecule, the stably integrated nucleic acid molecule is present in the same genomic environment as in the parent generation. The presence of a stable integration of a nucleic acid sequence in the genome of a plant cell or in the genome of a plant can be demonstrated using methods known to the person skilled in the art, inter alia with the aid of southern blot analysis of the RFLP analysis (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) (Nam et al., 1989, The Plant Cell 1, 699-705; Leister and Dean, 1993, The Plant Journal 4 (4), 745-750), with methods based on PCR, such as, for example, the analysis of differences in length in the amplified fragment (Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism, AFLP) (Castiglioni et al., 1998, Genetics 149, 2039-2056; Meksem et al., 2001, Molecular Genetics and Genomics 265, 207-214; Meyer et al., 1998, Molecular and General Genetics 259, 150-160) or using amplified fragments cleaved using restriction endonucleases (Cleaved Amplified Polymorphic Sequences, CAPS) (Konieczny and Ausubel, 1993, The Plant Journal 4, 403-410; Jarvis et al., 1994, Plant Molecular Biology 24, 685-687; Bachem et al., 1996, The Plant Journal 9 (5), 745-753).

A further embodiment of the present invention relates to plant cells of a green terrestrial plant or green terrestrial plants which synthesize hyaluronan.

In the context of the present invention, the term “green terrestrial plant (Embryophyta)” is to be understood as defined in Strasburger, “Lehrbuch der Botanik” [textbook of botany], 34. ed., Spektrum Akad. Verl., 1999, (ISBN 3-8274-0779-6).

A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to plant cells according to the invention of multicellular plants or plants according to the invention which are multicellular organisms. Accordingly, this embodiment relates to plant cells or plants which do not originate from single-cell plants (protists) or which are not protists.

In a further preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to plant cells according to the invention or plants according to the invention where the nucleic acid molecule coding for hyaluronan synthase is characterized in that it codes for a hyaluronan synthase Class I.

The hyaluronan synthases which have hitherto been investigated can be classified into two groups: hyaluronan synthases of Class I and hyaluronan synthases of Class II (DeAngelis, 1999, CMLS, Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences 56, 670-682). This classification is based essentially on biochemical studies of the reaction mechanism and the analysis of the amino acid sequences coding for the hyaluronan synthases in question. Class I includes inter alia the hyaluronan synthases from Streptococcus pyogenes (spHas), Streptococcus equisimilis (seHas), Paramecium bursaria Chlorella virus 1 (cvHas) and the known hyaluronan synthases of the vertebrates (Xenopus laevis, xlHas; Homo sapiens; hsHAS, Mus musculus, mmHas). Class I hyaluronan synthases have an amino acid sequence of from 417 to 588 amino acids. Class I hyaluronan synthases are proteins which are integrated into a membrane of the cytoplasm and have multiple (five to seven) membrane-associated regions. Lengthening of the hyaluronan with further molecular building blocks probably takes place at a reducing end of the polymer. Suitable acceptor molecules used by hyaluronan synthases of Class I have hitherto not been disclosed.

To date, the hyaluronan synthase from Pasteurella is the only known representative of Class II hyaluronan synthases. Its protein sequence has 972 amino acids. It is a soluble protein which, on its C-terminus, contains amino acid sequences responsible for localization at the cytoplasm membrane (Jing and DeAngelis, 2000, Glycobiology 10, 883-889). Interaction probably takes place via molecules associated with the cytoplasms membrane. In the case of the enzyme of Class II, the hyaluronan is synthesized by extension at the non-reducing end (DeAngelis, 1999, J. Biol. Chem 274, 26557-26562). The synthesis of hyaluronan by the Class II enzyme does not require an acceptor molecule; however, it was shown that hyaluronan oligomers (DP4) are used as acceptor and the rate of synthesis is increased by adding the acceptors (DeAngelis, 1999, J. Biol. Chem 274, 26557-26562).

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to plant cells according to the invention or plants according to the invention where the nucleic acid molecule coding for hyaluronan synthase is characterized in that it codes for a hyaluronan synthase from vertebrates or a viral hyaluronan synthase. Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule coding for the hyaluronan synthase codes for a hyaluronan synthase from mammals or a hyaluronan synthase of a virus which infects algae.

With regard to a virus which infects algae, the nucleic acid molecule coding for hyaluronan synthase particularly preferably codes for a hyaluronan synthase of a Chlorella-infecting virus, especially preferably a hyaluronan synthase of a Paramecium bursaria Chlorella virus 1.

With regard to the nucleic acid molecule which codes for a hyaluronan synthase from mammals, preference is given to a human hyaluronan synthase, in particular human hyaluronan synthase 3.

In a further preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to plant cells according to the invention or plants according to the invention where the nucleic acid molecule coding for hyaluronan synthase is characterized in that the codons of the nucleic acid molecule coding for a hyaluronan synthase are modified compared to the codons of the nucleic acid molecule coding for the hyaluronan synthase of the parent organism of the hyaluronan synthase. Particularly preferably, the codons of the hyaluronan synthase are modified such that they are adapted to the frequency of the use of the codons of the plant cell or plant into whose genome they are integrated.

Owing to the degeneration of the genetic code, amino acids can be encoded by one or more codons. In different organisms, the codons coding for an amino acid are used at different frequencies. Adapting the codon of a coding nucleic acid sequence to the frequency of their use in the plant cell or in the plant into whose genome the sequence to be expressed is to be integrated may contribute to an increased amount of translated protein and/or to the stability of the mRNA in question in the particular plant cells or plants. The frequency of use of codons in the plant cells or plants in question can be determined by the person skilled in the art by examining as many coding nucleic acid sequences of the organism in question as possible for the frequency with which certain codons are used for coding for a certain amino acid. The frequency of the use of codons of certain organisms is known to the person skilled in the art and can be determined in a simple and rapid manner using computer programs. Suitable computer programs are publicly accessible and provided for free inter alia on the Internet (for example, the graphical codon usage analyzer available on the internet at gcua.schoedl.de/; the codon usage database available on the world wide web at kazusa.or.jp/codon/; the Entelechon web site).

Adapting the codons of a coding nucleic acid sequence to the frequency of their use in the plant cell or in the plant into whose genome the sequence to be expressed is to be integrated can be carried out by in vitro mutagenesis or, preferably, by de novo synthesis of the gene sequence. Methods for the de novo synthesis of nucleic acid sequences are known to the person skilled in the art. A de novo synthesis can be carried out, for example, by initially synthesizing individual nucleic acid oligonucleotides, hybridizing these with oligonucleotides complementary thereto, so that they form a DNA double strand, and then ligating the individual double-stranded oligonucleotides such that the desired nucleic acid sequence is obtained. The de novo synthesis of nucleic acid sequences including the adaptation of the frequency with which the codons are used to a certain target organism can also be sourced out to companies offering this service (for example Entelechon GmbH, Regensburg, Germany).

In a further preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to plant cells according to the invention or plants according to the invention where the nucleic acid molecule coding for hyaluronan synthase is characterized in that it codes for a hyaluronan synthase having the amino acid sequence shown under SEQ ID NO 2, SEQ ID NO 4, SEQ ID NO 6, SEQ ID NO 8, SEQ ID NO 10, SEQ ID NO 12, SEQ ID NO 14, SEQ ID NO 16, SEQ ID NO 18, SEQ ID NO 20, SEQ ID NO 22, SEQ ID NO 24, SEQ ID NO 26, SEQ ID NO 28, SEQ ID NO 30, SEQ ID NO 32, SEQ ID NO 34, SEQ ID NO 36, SEQ ID NO 38, SEQ ID NO 40, SEQ ID NO 42, SEQ TD NO 44, SEQ ID NO 46, SEQ ID NO 48, SEQ ID NO 50, SEQ ID NO 52, SEQ ID NO 54, SEQ ID NO 56, SEQ ID NO 58, SEQ ID NO 60 or SEQ ID NO 62. Particularly preferably, the nucleic acid molecule coding for the hyaluronan synthase is characterized in that it codes for a hyaluronan synthase having the amino acid sequence shown under SEQ ID NO 2 or SEQ ID NO 6, especially preferably a hyaluronan synthase having the amino acid sequence shown under SEQ ID NO 4 or SEQ ID NO 8.

In a further preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to plant cells according to the invention or plants according to the invention where the nucleic acid molecule coding for the hyaluronan synthase is characterized in that it comprises a nucleic acid sequence shown under SEQ ID NO 1, SEQ ID NO 3, SEQ ID NO 5, SEQ ID NO 7, SEQ ID NO 9, SEQ ID NO 11, SEQ ID NO 13, SEQ ID NO 15, SEQ ID NO 17, SEQ ID NO 19, SEQ ID NO 21, SEQ ID NO 23, SEQ ID NO 25, SEQ ID NO 27, SEQ ID NO 29, SEQ ID NO 31, SEQ ID NO 33, SEQ ID NO 35, SEQ ID NO 37, SEQ ID NO 39, SEQ ID NO 41, SEQ ID NO 43, SEQ ID NO 45, SEQ ID NO 47, SEQ ID NO 49, SEQ ID NO 51, SEQ ID NO 53, SEQ ID NO 55, SEQ ID NO 57, SEQ ID NO 59 or SEQ ID NO 61. Particularly preferably, the nucleic acid molecule coding for the hyaluronan synthase is characterized in that it comprises a nucleic acid sequence shown under SEQ ID NO 1 or SEQ ID NO 5, especially preferably a hyaluronan synthase having the nucleic acid sequence shown under SEQ ID NO 3 or SEQ ID NO 7.

The plasmid IC 341-222, which comprises a synthetic nucleic acid molecule coding for a Paramecium bursaria Chlorella virus hyaluronan synthase and the plasmid IC 362-237 which comprises a synthetic nucleic acid molecule coding for a Homo sapiens hyaluronan synthase 3 were deposited at the Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen and Zellkulturen GmbH, Mascheroder Weg 1b, 38124 Brunswick, Germany, on 25 Aug. 2004 under the numbers DSM16664 and DSM16665, respectively. The amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO 4 can be derived from the coding region of the nucleic acid sequence integrated into the plasmid IC 341-222 and codes for a Paramecium bursaria Chlorella virus hyaluronan synthase. The amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO 8 can be derived from the coding region of the cDNA sequence integrated into plasmid IC 362-237 and codes for a Homo sapiens hyaluronan synthase 3.

Accordingly, the present invention also relates to plant cells according to the invention or plants according to the invention where the nucleic acid molecule coding for the hyaluronan synthase is characterized in that it codes for a protein whose amino acid sequence can be derived from the coding region of the nucleic acid sequence inserted into plasmid DSM16664 or DSM16665.

A large number of techniques are available for stably integrating nucleic acid molecules into a host plant cell. These techniques include the transformation of plant cells with T-DNA using Agrobacterium tumefaciens or Agrobacterium rhizogenes as means for the transformation, the fusion of protoplasts, injection, the electroporation of DNA, the introduction of DNA using a biolisic approach and further options (reviewed in “Transgenic Plants”, Leandro ed., Humana Press 2004, ISBN 1-59259-827-7).

The use of agrobacteria-mediated transformation of plant cells has been studied intensively and is described in sufficient detail in EP 120516; Hoekema, Ind.: The Binary Plant Vector System, Offsetdrukkerij Kanters B. V. Alblasserdam (1985), Chapter V; Fraley et al., Crit. Rev. Plant Sci. 4, 1-46 and in An et al. EMBO J. 4, (1985), 277-287. For the transformation of potato, see, for example, Rocha-Sosa et al., EMBO J. 8, (1989), 29-33, for the transformation of tomato plants see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,565,347.

Also described is the transformation of monocotyledonous plants using vectors based on Agrobacterium transformation (Chan et al., Plant Mol. Biol. 22, (1993), 491-506; Hiei et al., Plant J. 6, (1994) 271-282; Deng et al, Science in China 33, (1990), 28-34; Wilmink et al., Plant Cell Reports 11, (1992), 76-80; May et al., Bio/Technology 13, (1995), 486-492; Conner and Domisse, Int. J. Plant Sci. 153 (1992), 550-555; Ritchie et al, Transgenic Res. 2, (1993), 252-265). An alternative system for transforming monocotyledonous plants is the transformation using the biolistic approach (Wan and Lemaux, Plant Physiol. 104, (1994), 37-48; Vasil et al., Bio/Technology 11 (1993), 1553-1558; Ritala et al., Plant Mol. Biol. 24, (1994), 317-325; Spencer et al., Theor. Appl. Genet. 79, (1990), 625-631), the protoplast transformation, the electroporation of partially permeabilized cells or the introduction of DNA using glass fibres. In particular the transformation of maize has been described repeatedly in the literature (cf., for example, WO95/06128, EP0513849, EP0465875, EP0292435; Fromm et al., Biotechnology 8, (1990), 833-844; Gordon-Kamm et al., Plant Cell 2, (1990), 603-618; Koziel et al., Biotechnology 11 (1993), 194-200; Moroc et al., Theor. Appl. Genet. 80, (1990), 721-726).

Successful transformations of other cereal species have likewise already been described, for example for barley (Wan and Lemaux, see above; Ritala et al., see above; Krens et al., Nature 296, (1982), 72-74) and for wheat (Nehra et al., Plant J. 5, (1994), 285-297; Becker et al., 1994, Plant Journal 5, 299-307). All of the above methods are suitable in the context of the present invention.

Plant cells according to the invention and plants according to the invention having a nucleic acid molecule coding for a hyaluronan synthase stably integrated into their genome can be identified inter alia by the fact that they have at least one copy of a nucleic acid molecule coding for a hyaluronan synthase stably integrated into their genome. This can be checked, for example, by a southern blot analysis.

Furthermore, the plant cells according to the invention and the plants according to the invention preferably have at least one of the following distinguishing features: the plant cells according to the invention or plants according to the invention have transcripts of the nucleic acid molecules stably integrated into the genome and coding for a hyaluronan synthase. These can be identified, for example, by northern blot analysis or by RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction). Preferably, the plant cells according to the invention and the plants according to the invention contain a protein which is encoded by nucleic acid molecules stably integrated into the genome coding for a hyaluronan synthase. This can be checked, for example, by immunological methods, in particular by a western blot analysis.

Methods for preparing antibodies which react specifically with a certain protein, i.e. which bind specifically to said protein, are known to the person skilled in the art (see, for example, Lottspeich and Zorbas (Eds.), 1998, Bioanalytik [bioanalysis], Spektrum akad. Verlag, Heidelberg, Berlin, ISBN 3-8274-0041-4). Some companies (for example Eurogentec, Belgium) offer the preparation of such antibodies as a service. Antibodies which specifically recognize hyaluronan synthases are described, for example, in Jacobson et al., 2000, Biochem J. 348, 29-35.

Plant cells according to the invention or plants according to the invention which synthesize hyaluronan can be identified by isolating the hyaluronan that is synthesized by them and proving its structure.

Since plant tissue has the advantage that it does not contain hyaluronidases, a simple and rapid isolation method can be used for confirming the presence of hyaluronan in plant cells according to the invention or plants according to the invention. To this end, water is added to the plant tissue to be examined and the plant tissue is then comminuted mechanically (with the aid of, for example, a bead mill, a Warring blender, a juice extractor, etc.). If required, more water may then be added to the suspension, and cell debris and water-insoluble components are then removed by centrifugation. The presence of hyaluronan in the supernatant obtained after centrifugation can then be demonstrated using, for example, a protein which binds specifically to hyaluronan. A method for detecting hyaluronan with the aid of a protein that binds specifically to hyaluronan is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,019,498. Test kits (for example the hyaluronic acid (HA) test kit from Corgenix, Inc., Colorado, USA, Prod. No. 029-001) for carrying out the method described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,019,498 are commercially available (for example the hyaluronic acid (HA) test kit from Corgenix, Inc., Colorado, USA, Prod. No. 029-001; see also General Methods item 6.). In parallel, it is possible to initially digest an aliquot of the centrifugation supernatant obtained with a hyaluronidase and then to confirm the presence of hyaluronan with the aid of a protein which specifically binds to hyaluronan, as described above. By the action of the hyaluronidase in the parallel batch, the hyaluronan present therein is degraded, so that after complete digestion it is no longer possible to detect significant amounts of hyaluronan.

The presence of hyaluronan in the centrifugation supernatant can furthermore also be confirmed using other analysis methods, such as, for example, IR, NMR or mass spectroscopy.

The present invention furthermore provides plant cells according to the invention or plants according to the invention characterized in that the nucleic acid molecule stably integrated into the genome of the plant and coding for a hyaluronan synthase is linked to regulatory elements initiating the transcription in plant cells (promoters). In a preferred embodiment, the promoters are tissue-specific promoters, particularly preferably promoters initiating transcription specifically in tuber, fruit or seed cells of plants.

For the expression of nucleic acid molecules according to the invention coding for hyaluronan synthase, these are preferably linked to regulatory DNA sequences which ensure transcription in plant cells. These include in particular promoters. Suitable for expression are, in general, all promoters active in plant cells.

The promoter may be chosen such that the expression takes place constitutively or only in a certain tissue, at a certain point in time in the development of the plant or at a point in time determined by external factors. The promoter may be homologous or heterologous, both with respect to the plant and with respect to the nucleic acid molecule.

Suitable promoters are, for example, the promoter of the 35S RNA of the cauliflower mosaic virus and the ubiquitin promoter from maize for constitutive expression, the patatin gene promoter B33 (Rocha-Sosa et al., EMBO J. 8 (1989), 23-29) for tuber-specific expression in potatoes or a fruit-specific promoter for tomato, such as, for example, the polygalacturonase promoter (Montgomery et al., 1993, Plant Cell 5, 1049-1062) or the E8 promoter (Metha et al., 2002, Nature Biotechnol. 20(6), 613-618), or a promoter which ensured expression only in photosynthetically active tissues, for example the ST-LS1 promoter (Stockhaus et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 84 (1987), 7943-7947; Stockhaus et al., EMBO J. 8 (1989), 2445-2451) or, for an endosperm-specific expression, the HMWG promoter from wheat, the USP promoter, the phaseolin promoter, promoters of zein genes from maize (Pedersen et al., Cell 29 (1982), 1015-1026; Quatroccio et al., Plant Mol. Biol. 15 (1990), 81-93), the glutelin promoter (Leisy et al., Plant Mol. Biol. 14 (1990), 41-50; Zheng et al., Plant J. 4 (1993), 357-366; Yoshihara et al., FEBS Lett. 383 (1996), 213-218) or shrunken-1 promoter (Werr et al., EMBO J. 4 (1985), 1373-1380). However, it is also possible to use promoters which are only activated at a point in time determined by external factors (see, for example, WO 9307279). Here, promoters of heat-shock proteins, which permit simple induction, may be of particular interest. Furthermore, it may be possible to use seed-specific promoters, such as, for example, the USP promoter from Vicia faba, which ensures seed-specific expression in Vicia faba and other plants (Fiedler et al., Plant Mol. Biol. 22 (1993), 669-679; Baumlein et al., Mol. Gen. Genet. 225 (1991), 459-467).

The use of promoters present in the genome of algae-infecting viruses is also possible for expressing nucleic acid sequences in plants (Mitra et al., 1994, Biochem. Biophys Res Commun 204(1), 187-194; Mitra and Higgins, 1994, Plant Mol Biol 26(1), 85-93, Van Etten et al., 2002, Arch Virol 147, 1479-1516).

In the context of the present invention, the term “tissue specific” is to be understood as meaning the restriction of a feature (for example initiation of transcription) predominantly to a certain tissue.

In the context of the present invention, the terms “tuber, fruit or seed cell” are to be understood as meaning all cells contained in a tuber, fruit and seed, respectively.

It is furthermore possible for a termination sequence (polyandenylation signal) to be present, which serves to add a poly-A tail to the transcript. It is thought that the poly-A tail has a function in stabilizing the transcripts. Such elements are described in the literature (cf. Gielen et al., EMBO J. 8 (1989), 23-29) and are interchangeable.

It is also possible for intron sequences to be present between the promoter and the coding region. Such intron sequences may stabilize the expression and lead to a higher expression in plants (Callis et al., 1987, Genes Devel. 1, 1183-1200; Luehrsen, and Walbot, 1991, Mol. Gen. Genet. 225, 81-93; Rethmeier et al., 1997; Plant Journal 12(4), 895-899; Rose and Beliakoff, 2000, Plant Physiol. 122 (2), 535-542; Vasil et al., 1989, Plant Physiol. 91, 1575-1579; XU et al., 2003, Science in China Series C Vol. 46 No. 6, 561-569). Suitable intron sequences are, for example, the first intron of the sh1 gene from maize, the first intron of the poly-ubiquitin gene 1 from maize, the first intron of the EPSPS gene from rice or one of the first two introns of the PAT1 gene from Arabidopsis.

The fact that hyaluronan isolated from the plant cells according to the invention and plants according to the invention has a significantly higher molecular weight than hyaluronan isolated from rooster combs is surprising. A medicament which comprises hyaluronan having a mean molecular weight of 5×10⁶ Da has the highest molecular weight of hyaluronan commercially available to date (Lapcik et al., 1998, Chemical Reviews 98(8), 2663-2684). It is furthermore surprising that hyaluronan isolated from plant cells according to the invention or plants according to the invention has a higher molecular weight than hyaluronan from E. coli cells transformed using the same hyaluronan synthase (Paramecium bursaria Chlorella virus 1) (3×10⁶ to 6×10⁶ Da, DeAngelis et al., 1997, Science 278, 1800-1803).

Accordingly, the invention also provides plant cells according to the invention or plants according to the invention which synthesize hyaluronan having a mean molecular weight of at least 7×10⁶ Da.

The molecular weight of hyaluronan can be determined using methods known to the person skilled in the art (see, for example, Hokpusta et al., 2003, Eur Biophys J 31, 450-456). Preferably, the molecular weight is determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), particularly preferably using the method described under General Methods item 8b).

The present invention furthermore provides plants comprising plant cells according to the invention. Such plants can be produced by regeneration from plant cells according to the invention.

The present invention also relates to processable or consumable parts of plants according to the invention comprising plant cells according to the invention.

In the context of the present invention, the term “processable parts” is to be understood as meaning plant parts used for preparing food or feed, which are used as raw material source for industrial processes, as raw material source for preparing pharmaceutical products or as raw material source for preparing cosmetic products.

In the context of the present invention, the term “consumable parts” is to be understood as meaning plant parts which serve as food for humans or are used as animal feed.

The plants according to the invention may, in principle, be plants of any plant species, i.e. both monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants. They are preferably crop plants, i.e. plants cultivated by man for purposes of nutrition or for technical, in particular industrial, purposes. They are preferably rice, tomato or potato plants.

Preferably the present invention relates to potato plants according to the invention which produce at least 29, more preferably at least 36, particularly preferably at least 46 especially preferably at least 68 μg hyaluronan per gram fresh weight of their tubers. Preferably the determination of the hyaluronan content of potato tubers is determined according to the method described in example 10 b).

In a further preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to tomato plants according to the invention which produce at least 4, more preferably at least 8, particularly preferably at least 14 especially preferably at least 18 μg hyaluronan per gram fresh weight of their fruits. Preferably the determination of the hyaluronan content of tomato fruits is determined according to the method described in example 10 e).

The present invention also relates to propagation material of plants according to the invention comprising a plant cell according to the invention.

Here, the term “propagation material” encompasses those components of the plant which are suitable for producing progeny in a vegetative or sexual manner. Suitable for vegetative propagation are, for example, cuttings, callus cultures, rhizomes or tubers. Other propagation material encompasses, for example, fruits, seeds, seedlings, protoplasts, cell cultures, etc. Preferred propagation materials are tubers, fruits or seeds.

In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to harvestable plant parts of plants according to the invention, such as fruits, storage roots, roots, flowers, buds, shoots, leaves or stems, preferably seeds, fruits or tubers, where these harvestable parts comprise plant cells according to the invention.

Preferably, the present invention relates to propagation material or harvestable parts of plants comprising hyaluronan. Particularly preferably, this is propagation material or harvestable parts of plants which synthesize hyaluronan.

A further advantage of the present invention consists in the fact that harvestable parts, propagation material, processable parts or consumable parts of plants according to the invention comprise hyaluronan. Accordingly, these are not only suitable as raw materials from which it is possible to isolate hyaluronan, but they can also be used directly as food/feed or for the preparation of food/feed having a prophylactic or therapeutic character (for example for the prophylaxis of osteoarthritis, U.S. Pat. No. 6,607,745). Thus, for example, it is no longer necessary to add to so-called nutraceuticals hyaluronan prepared by fermentation or isolated from animal tissues when employing plants according to the invention or parts of plants according to the invention for preparing nutraceuticals or using them directly as food/feed. By virtue of the high water-binding capacity of hyaluronan, harvestable parts, propagation material, processable parts or consumable parts of plants according to the invention furthermore have the advantage that fewer thickeners are required when preparing solidified food/feed. Thus, for example, when preparing jelly, it is possible to use less sugar, which has an additional positive effect on health. When preparing food/feed where it is required to remove water from the plant raw material, the advantage of using harvestable parts, propagation material, processable parts or consumable parts of plants according to the invention consists in the fact that less water has to be removed from the plant material in question, resulting in lower production costs, and an increased nutritional value of the food/feed in question is ensured by more gentle preparation processes (for example less or shorter heat input). Thus, for example, when preparing tomato ketchup less energy has to be introduced to achieve the desired consistency.

The present invention furthermore provides a method for preparing a plant which synthesizes hyaluronan, wherein

-   -   a) a nucleic acid molecule coding for a hyaluronan synthase is         integrated into the genome of a plant cell     -   b) a plant is regenerated from plant cells of step a); and     -   c) further plants are, if appropriate, generated with the aid of         the plants of step b).

The regeneration of the plants according to step b) can be carried out by methods known to the person skilled in the art (described, for example, in “Plant Cell Culture Protocols”, 1999, edt. by R. D. Hall, Humana Press, ISBN 0-89603-549-2).

The generation of further plants according to step c) of the process according to the invention can be carried out, for example, by vegetative propagation (for example via cuttings, tubers or via callous culture and regeneration of entire plants) or by sexual propagation. Here, sexual propagation is preferably in a controlled manner, i.e. selected plants having certain properties are crossbred with one another and propagated. Selection is carried out in a manner such that the further plants generated according to step c) have, integrated into the genome of the plant, the nucleic acid molecule coding for a hyaluronan synthase, and/or they synthesize hyaluronan.

In a preferred embodiment of methods according to the invention for preparing a plant, in an additional process step b)-1, which follows after process step b), the selected plants have, stably integrated into their genome, a nucleic acid molecule coding for a hyaluronan synthase.

In a further preferred embodiment, the methods according to the invention for preparing a plant have a process step, following after process step b) or b)-1, in which hyaluronan-synthesizing plants are identified.

In a further embodiment, methods according to the invention are used for preparing a plant according to the invention.

In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to methods according to the invention for preparing a plant where the nucleic acid molecule coding for a hyaluronan synthase in step a) is selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecules, characterized in that they code for a     hyaluronan synthase Class I, -   b) nucleic acid molecules, characterized in that they code for a     human or viral hyaluronan synthase, -   c) nucleic acid molecules, characterized in that they code for a     human hyaluronan synthase 3 or a hyaluronan synthase of a virus     which infects algae, -   d) nucleic acid molecules, characterized in that they code for a     hyaluronan synthase of a Chlorella-infecting virus, -   e) nucleic acid molecules, characterized in that they code for a     hyaluronan synthase of a Paramecium bursaria Chlorella virus 1, -   f) nucleic acid molecules, characterized in that the codons of the     nucleic acid molecule coding for a hyaluronan synthase are modified     compared to the codons of the nucleic acid molecule coding for the     hyaluronan synthase of the parent organism of the hyaluronan     synthase, -   g) nucleic acid molecules, characterized in that the codons of the     hyaluronan synthase are modified such that they are adapted to the     frequency of the use of the codons of the plant cell or the plant     into whose genome they are integrated, -   h) nucleic acid molecules, characterized in that they code for a     hyaluronan synthase having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID     NO 2, SEQ ID NO 4, SEQ ID NO 6, SEQ ID NO 8, SEQ ID NO 10, SEQ ID NO     12, SEQ ID NO 14, SEQ ID NO 16, SEQ ID NO 18, SEQ ID NO 20, SEQ ID     NO 22, SEQ ID NO 24, SEQ ID NO 26, SEQ ID NO 28, SEQ ID NO 30, SEQ     ID NO 32, SEQ ID NO 34, SEQ ID NO 36, SEQ ID NO 38, SEQ ID NO 40,     SEQ ID NO 42, SEQ ID NO 44, SEQ ID NO 46, SEQ ID NO 48, SEQ ID NO     50, SEQ ID NO 52, SEQ ID NO 54, SEQ ID NO 56, SEQ ID NO 58, SEQ ID     NO 60 or SEQ ID NO 62, -   i) nucleic acid molecules, characterized in that they code for a     protein whose amino acid sequence can be derived from the coding     region of the nucleic acid sequence inserted into plasmid DSM16664     or DSM16665, -   j) nucleic acid molecules comprising a nucleic acid sequence shown     in SEQ ID NO 1, SEQ ID NO 3, SEQ ID NO 5, SEQ ID NO 7, SEQ ID NO 9,     SEQ ID NO 11, SEQ ID NO 13, SEQ ID NO 15, SEQ ID NO 17, SEQ ID NO     19, SEQ ID NO 21, SEQ ID NO 23, SEQ ID NO 25, SEQ ID NO 27, SEQ ID     NO 29, SEQ ID NO 31, SEQ ID NO 33, SEQ ID NO 35, SEQ ID NO 37, SEQ     ID NO 39, SEQ ID NO 41, SEQ ID NO 43, SEQ ID NO 45, SEQ ID NO 47,     SEQ ID NO 49, SEQ ID NO 51, SEQ ID NO 53, SEQ ID NO 55, SEQ ID NO     57, SEQ ID NO 59 or SEQ ID NO 61, -   k) nucleic acid molecules comprising the nucleic acid sequence     inserted into plasmid DSM16664 or DSM16665, -   l) nucleic acid molecules, coding for a hyaluronan synthase, where     the nucleic acid sequences coding for the hyaluronan synthase are     linked to regulatory elements (promoter) which initiate the     transcription in plant cells or -   m) nucleic acid molecules according to j), where the promoters are     tissue-specific promoters, particularly preferably promoters which     initiate the transcription specifically in tuber, fruit or seed     cells of plants.

In a further preferred embodiment, methods according to the invention serve for preparing plants synthesizing hyaluronan having a mean molecular weight of at least 7×10⁶ Da.

The present invention also provides plants obtainable by methods according to the invention for preparing a plant which synthesizes hyaluronan.

Surprisingly, it has been found that hyaluronan isolated from plant cells according to the invention or plants according to the invention have a small molecular weight distribution compared to hyaluronan isolated from rooster combs or prepared by fermentation of Streptococcus strains.

Accordingly, the present invention also provides methods for preparing hyaluronan comprising a step where hyaluronan is extracted from plant cells according to the invention, from plants according to the invention, from propagation material according to the invention, from harvestable plant parts according to the invention, from processable plant parts or from plants obtainable by a method according to the invention. Preferably, such a method also comprises the step where the cultivated plant cells according to the invention, the plants according to the invention, the propagation material according to the invention, the harvestable plant parts according to the invention, the processable plant parts according to the invention are harvested prior to extraction of the hyaluronan, and particularly preferably furthermore the step of the cultivation of plant cells according to the invention or plants according to the invention prior to harvesting.

A method according to the invention for preparing hyaluronan preferably relates to a method for preparing hyaluronan having a mean molecular weight of at least 7×10⁶ Da.

In contrast to bacterial or animal tissues, plant tissues have no hyaluronidases and do not contain any hyaladherins. Accordingly, as already described above, extraction of hyaluronan from plant tissues is possible with the aid of relatively simple methods. If required, the aqueous extracts, described above, of plant cells or tissues containing hyaluronan can be purified further using methods known to the person skilled in the art, such as, for example, repeated precipitation with ethanol. A preferred method for purifying hyaluronan is described under General Methods item 5.

The present invention also provides the use of plant cells according to the invention, plants according to the invention, propagation material according to the invention, harvestable plant parts according to the invention, processable plant parts according to the invention or plants obtainable by a method according to the invention for preparing hyaluronan.

The present invention furthermore provides compositions comprising components of plant cells according to the invention, plants according to the invention, propagation material according to the invention, harvestable plant parts according to the invention, processable plant parts according to the invention, consumable plant parts according to the invention or plants obtainable by a method according to the invention. The compositions are preferably food or feed, pharmaceutical or cosmetic products.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the compositions according to the invention are compositions comprising hyaluronan having a mean molecular weight of at least 7×10⁶ Da.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention the compositions according to the invention comprise plant cells according to the invention. In respect to this, it is meaningless if the plant cells according to the invention are broken or unbroken when present in compositions according to the invention.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention the compositions according to the invention comprise recombinant nucleic acid molecules characterized in that said recombinant nucleic acid molecules comprise nucleic acid molecules encoding a hyaluronansynthase.

As already mentioned above, it is possible to use plant parts according to the invention, plants according to the invention, propagation material according to the invention, harvestable plant parts according to the invention, processable plant parts according to the invention, consumable plant parts according to the invention or plants obtainable by a method according to the invention to prepare food or feed. However, use as raw materials for industrial applications is also possible, without hyaluronan having to be isolated. Thus, for example, plants according to the invention or parts of plants according to the invention can be applied to areas under agricultural cultivation to achieve increased water binding of the soil. Furthermore, plants according to the invention or plant cells according to the invention can be used for preparing drying agents (for example for use when shipping moisture-sensitive items) or as absorbers of liquids (for example in nappies or for absorbing spilled aqueous liquids). For such applications, it is possible to use entire plants according to the invention, parts of plants according to the invention or comminuted (for example ground) plants according to the invention or plant parts according to the invention, as required. Suitable for applications in which ground plants or plant parts are used are plant parts containing hyaluronan, but only a low proportion of water. These are preferably grains of cereal plants (maize, rice, wheat, rye, oats, barley, sago or sorghum).

The present invention also provides methods for preparing a composition according to the invention, where plant cells according to the invention, plants according to the invention, propagation material according to the invention, harvestable plant parts according to the invention, processable plant parts according to the invention, consumable plant parts according to the invention or plants obtainable by a method according to the invention are used. The methods for preparing a composition according to the invention are preferably methods for preparing food or feed, methods for preparing a pharmaceutical product or methods for preparing a cosmetic product.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, methods according to the invention for preparing a composition according to the invention relate to methods for preparing a composition comprising hyaluronan having a mean molecular weight of at least 7×10⁶ Da.

Methods for preparing food or feed are known to the person skilled in the art. Methods for using plants according to the invention or plant parts according to the invention in industrial areas are also known to the person skilled in the art and include inter alia comminuting or grinding of plants according to the invention or plant parts according to the invention; however, they are not exclusively limited thereto. Some of the advantages resulting from using subject-matters according to the invention for preparing food/feed or for use in industrial areas have already been described above.

The present invention also relates to the use of plant cells according to the invention, plants according to the invention, propagation material according to the invention, harvestable plant parts according to the invention, processable plant parts according to the invention, consumable plant parts according to the invention or plants obtainable by a method according to the invention for preparing a plant according to the invention for preparing a composition according to the invention. Preference is given to the use of plant cells according to the invention, plants according to the invention, propagation material according to the invention, harvestable plant parts according to the invention, processable plant parts according to the invention, consumable plant parts according to the invention or of plants obtainable by a method according to the invention for preparing a plant according to the invention for preparing food or feed, for preparing a pharmaceutic or for preparing a cosmetic product.

Parts of plants are frequently processed into flours. Examples of parts of plants from which flours are produced are, for example, tubers of potato plants and grains of cereal plants. To produce flours from cereal plants, the endosperm-containing grains of these plants are ground and sieved. In the case of other plants which do not comprise an endosperm, but other starch-storing parts such as, for example, tubers or roots, flour is frequently produced by comminuting, drying and subsequently grinding the storage organs in question. Plant cells according to the invention and plants according to the invention synthesize hyaluronan. As hyaluronan has a high water binding capacity, flours produced from plant cells according to the invention, plants according to the invention, propagation material according to the invention, harvestable plant parts according to the invention, processable plant parts according to the invention, consumable plant parts according to the invention or plants obtainable by a method according to the invention for preparing a plant according to the invention have therefore modified properties.

The present invention therefore furthermore relates to flours comprising hyaluronan.

The flours according to the present invention are preferably characterized in that they comprise plant cells according to the invention. In respect to this, it is meaningless if the plant cells according to the invention are broken or unbroken when present in flours according to the invention.

Flours obtainable from plant cells according to the invention, plants according to the invention, propagation material according to the invention, harvestable plant parts according to the invention, processable plant parts according to the invention, consumable plant parts according to the invention or plants obtainable by a method according to the invention for preparing a plant according to the invention are a further embodiment of the present invention.

The present invention furthermore relates to flours which are produced from plant cells according to the invention, plants according to the invention, propagation material according to the invention, harvestable plant parts according to the invention, processable plant parts according to the invention, consumable plant parts according to the invention or plants obtainable by a method according to the invention for preparing a plant according to the invention. Preferred parts of plants according to the invention for the production of flours according to the invention are tubers, storage roots and endosperm-containing grains. Preferably, tubers are tubers of potato plants and grains are grains of plants of the (systematic) family Poaceae; especially preferably, grains are grains of rice, maize or wheat plants.

Preferably the present invention relates to flours according to the invention which contain at least 2, more preferably at least 4, particularly preferably at least 8 especially preferably at least 10 μg hyaluronan per gram flour weight. Preferably the determination of the hyaluronan content flour is determined according to the method described in example 10 g).

In the context of the present invention, the terms “flour” is understood as meaning a powder obtained by grinding plant parts. If appropriate, plant parts are dried before grinding and comminuted and/or sieved after grinding.

As the result of hyaluronan being present in flours according to the invention the respective flours are distinguished in particular by their increased water-binding capacity. This is desired for example for a number of applications when processing flours in the food industry, in particular in the production of baked goods. Thus flours according to the invention can e.g. increase the shelf life of bakery goods. A further advantage of flours according to the present invention is that less flour has to be used in case the flour is used as a thickener in food or feed compositions.

The present invention furthermore relates to a method for the production of flours, comprising the step of grinding plant cells according to the invention, plants according to the invention, propagation material according to the invention, harvestable plant parts according to the invention, processable plant parts according to the invention, consumable plant parts according to the invention or plants obtainable by a method according to the invention for preparing a plant according to the invention.

Flours can be produced by grinding parts of plants according to the invention. The skilled person knows how to produce flours. Preferably, a method for the production of flours also comprises the step of harvesting the cultured plants or plant parts and/or the propagation material or the starch-storing parts of these plants prior to grinding, and especially preferably furthermore the step of culturing plants according to the invention prior to harvesting.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the method for the production of flours comprises the processing of plant cells according to the invention, plants according to the invention, propagation material according to the invention, harvestable plant parts according to the invention, processable plant parts according to the invention, consumable plant parts according to the invention or plants obtainable by a method according to the invention for preparing a plant according to the invention prior to grinding.

In this context, the processing may be for example a thermal treatment and/or drying. Thermal treatment followed by drying of the material which has been subjected to the thermal treatment is applied for example in the production of flours from storage roots or tubers such as, for example, potato tubers prior to grinding. Plants according to the invention, starch-storing parts of plants according to the invention, propagation material according to the invention or harvestable material according to the invention prior to grinding can likewise constitute the processing for the purposes of the present invention. The removal of plant tissue such as, for example, of husks of the grains, prior to grinding, is also a processing prior to grinding for the purposes of the present invention.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the method for the production of flours after grinding comprises a processing of the ground material.

For example, the ground material can be sieved after grinding, for example to produce different types of flours.

Flour obtainable by a method from the production of flours according to the invention is also an embodiment of the present invention.

The flours according to the invention may, in principle, be flours obtained from any plant species, i.e. monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants. The flours according to the invention are preferably obtained from crop plants, i.e. plants cultivated by man for purposes of nutrition or for technical, in particular industrial, purposes. They are preferably rice or potato plants.

The present invention furthermore relates to the use of plant cells according to the invention, plants according to the invention, propagation material according to the invention, harvestable plant parts according to the invention, processable plant parts according to the invention, consumable plant parts according to the invention or plants obtainable by a method according to the invention for preparing a plant according to the invention for the production of flours.

It is another object of the present invention to provide means, such as, for example, DNA molecules, for generating plant cells according to the invention and plants according to the invention which synthesize hyaluronan.

Accordingly, the present invention furthermore provides recombinant nucleic acid molecules comprising a nucleic acid sequence coding for a hyaluronan synthase and a nucleic acid sequence which initiates transcription in a plant cell (promoter).

In the context of the present invention, the term “recombinant nucleic acid molecule” is to be understood as meaning a nucleic acid molecule which, in addition to nucleic acid molecules coding for a hyaluronan synthase, contains additional sequences which are not naturally present in a combination as present in the recombinant nucleic acids according to the invention. Here, the additional sequences mentioned may be any sequences; preferably, they are regulatory sequences (promoters, termination signals, enhancers), particularly preferably regulatory sequences active in plant tissue and especially preferably tissue-specific regulatory sequences which are active in plant tissue. Methods for generating recombinant nucleic acid molecules according to the invention are known to the person skilled in the art and include genetic engineering methods, such as, for example, linking of nucleic acid molecules by ligation, genetic recombination or the de novo synthesis of nucleic acid molecules (see, for example, Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning, A Laboratory Manual, 3rd edition (2001) Cold Spring Harbour Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbour, N.Y. ISBN: 0879695773, Ausubel et al., Short Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley & Sons; 5th edition (2002), ISBN: 0471250929).

In a preferred embodiment, the recombinant nucleic acid molecule comprises a tuber-, fruit- or seed-specific promoter.

A further embodiment of inventive recombinant nucleic acid molecules of the present invention are vectors, in particular plasmids, cosmids, virus genomes, bacteriophage genomes and other vectors commonly used in genetic engineering which contain the above-described nucleic acid molecules according to the invention. These are preferably vectors, plasmids, cosmids or virus genomes suitable for transforming plant cells. The transformation of plant cells or plants with the aid of recombinant nucleic acid molecules according to the invention especially preferably results in the stable integration of a hyaluronan synthase-encoding nucleic acid sequence into the genome of the plant cell and the plant, respectively.

In further embodiments, the present invention relates to recombinant nucleic acid molecules according to the invention where the nucleic acid sequence coding for a hyaluronan synthase is selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecules, characterized in that they code for a     hyaluronan synthase Class I, -   b) nucleic acid molecules, characterized in that they code for a     human or viral hyaluronan synthase, -   c) nucleic acid molecules, characterized in that they code for a     human hyaluronan synthase 3 or a hyaluronan synthase of a virus     which infects algae, -   d) nucleic acid molecules, characterized in that they code for a     hyaluronan synthase of a Chlorella-infecting virus, -   e) nucleic acid molecules, characterized in that they code for a     hyaluronan synthase of a Paramecium bursaria Chlorella virus 1, -   f) nucleic acid molecules, characterized in that the codons of the     nucleic acid molecule coding for a hyaluronan synthase are modified     compared to the codons of the nucleic acid molecule coding for the     hyaluronan synthase of the parent organism of the hyaluronan     synthase, -   g) nucleic acid molecules, characterized in that the codons of the     hyaluronan synthase are modified such that they are adapted to the     frequency of the use of the codons of the plant cell or the plant     into whose genome they are integrated, -   h) nucleic acid molecules, characterized in that they code for a     hyaluronan synthase having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID     NO 2, SEQ ID NO 4, SEQ ID NO 6, SEQ ID NO 8, SEQ ID NO 10, SEQ ID NO     12, SEQ ID NO 14, SEQ ID NO 16, SEQ ID NO 18, SEQ ID NO 20, SEQ ID     NO 22, SEQ ID NO 24, SEQ ID NO 26, SEQ ID NO 28, SEQ ID NO 30, SEQ     ID NO 32, SEQ ID NO 34, SEQ ID NO 36, SEQ ID NO 38, SEQ ID NO 40,     SEQ ID NO 42, SEQ ID NO 44, SEQ ID NO 46, SEQ ID NO 48, SEQ ID NO     50, SEQ ID NO 52, SEQ ID NO 54, SEQ ID NO 56, SEQ ID NO 58, SEQ ID     NO 60 or SEQ ID NO 62, -   i) nucleic acid molecules, characterized in that they code for a     protein whose amino acid sequence can be derived from the coding     region of the nucleic acid sequence inserted into plasmid DSM16664     or DSM16665, -   j) nucleic acid molecules comprising a nucleic acid sequence shown     in SEQ ID NO 1, SEQ ID NO 3, SEQ ID NO 5, SEQ ID NO 7, SEQ ID NO 9,     SEQ ID NO 11, SEQ ID NO 13, SEQ ID NO 15, SEQ ID NO 17, SEQ ID NO     19, SEQ ID NO 21, SEQ ID NO 23, SEQ ID NO 25, SEQ ID NO 27, SEQ ID     NO 29, SEQ ID NO 31, SEQ ID NO 33, SEQ ID NO 35, SEQ ID NO 37, SEQ     ID NO 39, SEQ ID NO 41, SEQ ID NO 43, SEQ ID NO 45, SEQ ID NO 47,     SEQ ID NO 49, SEQ ID NO 51, SEQ ID NO 53, SEQ ID NO 55, SEQ ID NO     57, SEQ ID NO 59 or SEQ ID NO 61, or -   k) nucleic acid molecules comprising the nucleic acid sequence     inserted into plasmid DSM16664 or DSM16665.

The present invention also provides plant cells or plants containing recombinant nucleic acid molecules according to the invention.

Description of the Sequences

-   -   SEQ ID NO 1: Nucleic acid sequence, coding for a hyaluronan         synthase of Paramecium bursaria Chlorella virus 1.     -   SEQ ID NO 2: Amino acid sequence of a hyaluronan synthase of         Paramecium bursaria Chlorella virus 1. The amino acid sequence         shown can be derived from SEQ ID NO 1.     -   SEQ ID NO 3: Synthetic nucleic acid sequence, coding for a         hyaluronan synthase of Paramecium bursaria Chlorella virus 1.         The codons of the sequence shown were synthesized such that it         is adapted to the use of codons in plant cells.     -   SEQ ID NO 4: Amino acid sequence of a hyaluronan synthase of         Paramecium bursaria Chlorella virus 1. The amino acid sequence         shown can be derived from SEQ ID NO 3.     -   SEQ ID NO 5: Nucleic acid sequence, coding for a hyaluronan         synthase 3 from Homo sapiens.     -   SEQ ID NO 6: Amino acid sequence of a hyaluronan synthase 3 from         Homo sapiens. The amino acid sequence shown can be derived from         SEQ ID NO 5.     -   SEQ ID NO 7: Synthetic nucleic acid sequence, coding for a         hyaluronan synthase 3 from Homo sapiens. The codons of the         sequence shown were synthesized such that it is adapted to the         use of codons in plant cells.     -   SEQ ID NO 8: Amino acid sequence of a hyaluronan synthase 3 from         Homo sapiens. The amino acid sequence shown can be derived from         SEQ ID NO 7.     -   SEQ ID NO 9: Nucleic acid sequence, coding for a hyaluronan         synthase 1 from Homo sapiens.     -   SEQ ID NO 10: Amino acid sequence of a hyaluronan synthase 1         from Homo sapiens. The amino acid sequence shown can be derived         from SEQ ID NO 9.     -   SEQ ID NO 11: Nucleic acid sequence, coding for a hyaluronan         synthase 2 from Homo sapiens.     -   SEQ ID NO 12: Amino acid sequence of a hyaluronan synthase 2         from Homo sapiens. The amino acid sequence shown can be derived         from SEQ ID NO 11.     -   SEQ ID NO 13: Nucleic acid sequence, coding for a hyaluronan         synthase 1 from Papio anubis.     -   SEQ ID NO 14: Amino acid sequence of a hyaluronan synthase 1         from Papio anubis. The amino acid sequence shown can be derived         from SEQ ID NO 13.     -   SEQ ID NO 15: Nucleic acid sequence, coding for a hyaluronan         synthase 1 from Mus musculus.     -   SEQ ID NO 16: Amino acid sequence of a hyaluronan synthase 1         from Mus musculus. The amino acid sequence shown can be derived         from SEQ ID NO 13.     -   SEQ ID NO 17: Nucleic acid sequence, coding for a hyaluronan         synthase 2 from Mus musculus.     -   SEQ ID NO 18: Amino acid sequence of a hyaluronan synthase 2         from Mus musculus. The amino acid sequence shown can be derived         from SEQ ID NO 17.     -   SEQ ID NO 19: Nucleic acid sequence, coding for a hyaluronan         synthase 3 from Mus musculus.     -   SEQ ID NO 20: Amino acid sequence of a hyaluronan synthase 3         from Mus musculus. The amino acid sequence shown can be derived         from SEQ ID NO 19.     -   SEQ ID NO 21: Nucleic acid sequence, coding for a hyaluronan         synthase 1 from Rattus norvegicus.     -   SEQ ID NO 22: Amino acid sequence of a hyaluronan synthase 1         from Rattus norvegicus. The amino acid sequence shown can be         derived from SEQ ID NO 21.     -   SEQ ID NO 23: Nucleic acid sequence, coding for a hyaluronan         synthase 2 from Rattus norvegicus.     -   SEQ ID NO 24: Amino acid sequence of a hyaluronan synthase 2         from Rattus norvegicus. The amino acid sequence shown can be         derived from SEQ ID NO 23.     -   SEQ ID NO 25: Nucleic acid sequence, coding for a hyaluronan         synthase 3 from Rattus norvegicus.     -   SEQ ID NO 26: Amino acid sequence of a hyaluronan synthase 3         from Rattus norvegicus. The amino acid sequence shown can be         derived from SEQ ID NO 25.     -   SEQ ID NO 27: Nucleic acid sequence, coding for a hyaluronan         synthase 2 from Oryctolagus cuniculus.     -   SEQ ID NO 28: Amino acid sequence of a hyaluronan synthase 2         from Oryctolagus cuniculus. The amino acid sequence shown can be         derived from SEQ ID NO 27.     -   SEQ ID NO 29: Nucleic acid sequence, coding for a hyaluronan         synthase 3 from Oryctolagus cuniculus.     -   SEQ ID NO 30: Amino acid sequence of a hyaluronan synthase 3         from Oryctolagus cuniculus. The amino acid sequence shown can be         derived from SEQ ID NO 29.     -   SEQ ID NO 31: Nucleic acid sequence, coding for a hyaluronan         synthase 2 from Equus caballus.     -   SEQ ID NO 32: Amino acid sequence of a hyaluronan synthase 2         from Equus caballus. The amino acid sequence shown can be         derived from SEQ ID NO 31.     -   SEQ ID NO 33: Nucleic acid sequence, coding for a hyaluronan         synthase 2 from Sus scrota.     -   SEQ ID NO 34: Amino acid sequence of a hyaluronan synthase 2         from Sus scrofa. The amino acid sequence shown can be derived         from SEQ ID NO 33.     -   SEQ ID NO 35: Nucleic acid sequence, coding for a hyaluronan         synthase 3 from Sus scrota.     -   SEQ ID NO 36: Amino acid sequence of a hyaluronan synthase 3         from Sus scrofa. The amino acid sequence shown can be derived         from SEQ ID NO 35.     -   SEQ ID NO 37: Nucleic acid sequence, coding for a hyaluronan         synthase 2 from Bos taurus.     -   SEQ ID NO 38: Amino acid sequence of a hyaluronan synthase 2         from Bos taurus. The amino acid sequence shown can be derived         from SEQ ID NO 37.     -   SEQ ID NO 39: Nucleic acid sequence, coding for a hyaluronan         synthase 2 from Gallus gallus.     -   SEQ ID NO 40: Amino acid sequence of a hyaluronan synthase 2         from Gallus gallus. The amino acid sequence shown can be derived         from SEQ ID NO 39.     -   SEQ ID NO 41: Nucleic acid sequence, coding for a hyaluronan         synthase 1 from Xenopus laevis.     -   SEQ ID NO 42: Amino acid sequence of a hyaluronan synthase 1         from Xenopus laevis. The amino acid sequence shown can be         derived from SEQ ID NO 41.     -   SEQ ID NO 43: Nucleic acid sequence, coding for a hyaluronan         synthase 2 from Xenopus laevis.     -   SEQ ID NO 44: Amino acid sequence of a hyaluronan synthase 2         from Xenopus laevis. The amino acid sequence shown can be         derived from SEQ ID NO 43.     -   SEQ ID NO 45: Nucleic acid sequence, coding for a hyaluronan         synthase 3 from Xenopus laevis.     -   SEQ ID NO 46: Amino acid sequence of a hyaluronan synthase 3         from Xenopus laevis. The amino acid sequence shown can be         derived from SEQ ID NO 45.     -   SEQ ID NO 47: Nucleic acid sequence, coding for a hyaluronan         synthase 2 from Dania rerio.     -   SEQ ID NO 48: Amino acid sequence of a hyaluronan synthase 2         from Dania rerio. The amino acid sequence shown can be derived         from SEQ ID NO 47.     -   SEQ ID NO 49: Genomic nucleic acid sequence, coding for a         hyaluronan synthase 3 from Dania rerio.     -   SEQ ID NO 50: Amino acid sequence of a hyaluronan synthase 3         from Dania rerio. The amino acid sequence shown can be derived         from SEQ ID NO 49.     -   SEQ ID NO 51: Nucleic acid sequence, coding for a hyaluronan         synthase from Pasteurella multocida.     -   SEQ ID NO 52: Amino acid sequence of a hyaluronan synthase from         Pasteurella multocida. The amino acid sequence shown can be         derived from SEQ ID NO 51.     -   SEQ ID NO 53: Nucleic acid sequence, coding for a hyaluronan         synthase from Streptococcus pyogenes.     -   SEQ ID NO 54: Amino acid sequence of a hyaluronan synthase from         Streptococcus pyogenes. The amino acid sequence shown can be         derived from SEQ ID NO 53.     -   SEQ ID NO 55: Nucleic acid sequence, coding for a hyaluronan         synthase from Streptococcus equi.     -   SEQ ID NO 56: Amino acid sequence of a hyaluronan synthase from         Streptococcus equi. The amino acid sequence shown can be derived         from SEQ ID NO 55.     -   SEQ ID NO 57: Nucleic acid sequence, coding for a hyaluronan         synthase from Streptococcus uberis.     -   SEQ ID NO 58: Amino acid sequence of a hyaluronan synthase from         Streptococcus uberis. The amino acid sequence shown can be         derived from SEQ ID NO 57.     -   SEQ ID NO 59: Nucleic acid sequence, coding for a hyaluronan         synthase from Streptococcus equisimilis.     -   SEQ ID NO 60: Amino acid sequence of a hyaluronan synthase from         Streptococcus equisimilis. The amino acid sequence shown can be         derived from SEQ ID NO 59.     -   SEQ ID NO 61: Nucleic acid sequence, coding for a hyaluronan         synthase from Sulfolobus tokodaii strain 7.     -   SEQ ID NO 62: Amino acid sequence of a hyaluronan synthase from         Sulfolobus tokodaii strain 7. The amino acid sequence shown can         be derived from SEQ ID NO 61.

General Methods

Methods which can be used in connection with the present invention are described below. These methods are specific embodiments; however, the present invention is not limited to these methods. It is known to the person skilled in the art that the invention can be carried out in the same manner by modifying the methods described and/or by replacing individual methods or parts of methods by alternative methods or alternative parts of methods.

1. Transformation of Potato Plants

Potato plants were transformed with the aid of Agrobacterium, as described in Rocha-Sosa et al. (EMBO J. 8, (1989), 23-29).

2. Transformation of Tomato Plants

Tomato plants were transformed with the aid of Agrobacterium according to the method described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,565,347.

3. Transformation of Rice Plants

Rice plants were transformed by the method described by Hiei et al. (1994, Plant Journal 6(2), 271-282).

4. Isolation of Hyaluronan from Plant Tissue

To detect the presence of hyaluronan and to determine the hyaluronan content in plant tissue, plant material was worked up as follows: 200 μl of water (demineralized, conductivity≧18 MΩ) were added to about 0.3 g of tuber material, and the mixture was comminuted in a laboratory oscillating ball mill (MM200, from Retsch, Germany) (30 sec at 30 Hz). A further 800 μl of water (demineralized, conductivity≧18 MΩ) was then added, and the mixture was mixed well (using, for example, a Vortex mixer). Cell debris and insoluble components were separated from the supernatant by centrifuging at 16 000×g for 5 minutes.

5. Purification of Hyaluronan

About 100 grams of tubers were peeled, cut into pieces of a size of about 1 cm³ and, after addition of 100 ml of water (demineralized, conductivity≧18 MΩ) comminuted in a Warring blender at maximum speed for about 30 seconds. The cell debris was then removed using a tea sieve. The cell debris that had been removed was resuspended in 300 ml of water (demineralized, conductivity≧18 MΩ) and again removed using a tea sieve. The two suspensions obtained (100 ml+300 ml) were combined and centrifuged at 13 000×g for 15 minutes. NaCl was added to the centrifugation supernatant obtained until a final concentration of 1% had been reached. After the NaCl had gone into solution, precipitation was carried out by addition of twice the volume of ethanol followed by thorough mixing and incubation at −20° C. overnight. The mixture was then centrifuged at 13 000×g for 15 minutes. The sedimented precipitate obtained after this centrifugation was dissolved in 100 ml of buffer (50 mM TrisHCl, pH 8, 1 mM CaCl2) and proteinase K was then added to a final concentration of 100 μg/ml and the solution was incubated at 42° C. for 2 hours. This was followed by 10 minutes of incubation at 95° C. Once more, NaCl was added to this solution until a final concentration of 1% had been reached. After the NaCl had gone into solution, another precipitation was carried out by addition of twice the volume of ethanol, thorough mixing and incubation at −20° C. for about 96 hours. This was followed by 15 minutes of centrifugation at 1.3 000×g. The sedimented precipitate obtained after this centrifugation was dissolved in 30 ml of water (demineralized, conductivity≧18 MΩ), and once more, NaCl was added to a final concentration of 1%. By adding twice the volume of ethanol, thorough mixing and incubation at −20° C. overnight, another precipitation was carried out. The precipitate obtained after subsequent centrifugation at 13 000×g for 15 minutes was dissolved in 20 ml of water (demineralized, conductivity≧18 MΩ).

Further purification was carried out by centrifugal filtration. To this end, in each case 5 ml of the dissolved precipitate were applied to a membrane filter (CentriconAmicon, pore width 10 000 NMWL, Prod. No. UCF8 010 96), and the sample was centrifuged at 2200×g until only about 3 ml of the solution above the filter remained. Two more times, in each case 3 ml of water (demineralized, conductivity≧18 MΩ) were then added to the solution above the membrane and in each case re-centrifuged under identical conditions until, at the end, only about 3 ml of the solution above the filter remained. The solutions still present above the membrane after centrifugal filtration were taken off, and the membrane was rinsed repeatedly (three to five times) with about 1.5 ml of water (demineralized, conductivity≧18 MΩ). All solutions which were still present above the membrane and the solutions obtained from rinsing were combined, NaCl was added to a final concentration of 1%, after the NaCl had gone into solution, twice the volume of ethanol was added, the sample was mixed and a precipitate was obtained by storage at −20° C. overnight. The precipitate obtained after subsequent centrifugation at 13 000×g for 15 minutes was dissolved in 4 ml of water (demineralized, conductivity≧18 MΩ) and then freeze-dried (24 hours under a pressure of 0.37 mbar, freeze drying apparatus Christ Alpha 1-4 from Christ, Osterode, Germany).

6. Detection of Hyaluronan and Determination of the Hyaluronan Content

Hyaluronan was detected using a commercial test (hyaluronic acid (HA) test kit from Corgenix, Inc., Colorado, USA, Prod. No. 029-001) according to the instructions of the manufacturer which are herewith incorporated into the description by way of reference. The test principle is based on the availability of a protein which binds specifically to hyaluronan (HABP) and is carried out similarly to an ELISA, where a colour reaction indicates the hyaluronan content in the sample examined. Accordingly, for the quantitative determination of hyaluronan, the samples to be measured should be employed in a concentration such that it is within the stated limits (for example: dilution of the sample in question or use of less water for extracting hyaluronan from plant tissue, depending on whether a limit was exceeded or not reached).

In parallel batches, aliquots of the samples to be determined were initially subjected to hyaluronidase digestion and then measured using the commercial test (hyaluronic acid (HA) test kit from Corgenix, Inc., Colorado, USA, Prod. No. 5 029-001). Hyaluronidase digestion was carried out using 400 μl of potato tuber extract in hyaluronidase buffer (0.1 M potassium phosphate buffer, pH 5.3; 150 mM NaCl) by adding 5 μg (˜3 units) of hyaluronidase (hyaluronidase type III from Sigma, Prod. No. H 2251) and incubating at 37° C. for 30 min.

In each case in a dilution of 1:10, all samples were then used for determining the hyaluronan content.

7. Detection of Hyaluronan by NMR Spectroscopy

Analysis by NMR spectroscopy was carried out using a DRX 700 spectrometer at 700 MHz (Bruker Biospin GMBH D-76287 Rheinstetten/Karlsruhe, Germany). The spectrometer was fitted with a TXI sample head and provided with an SGI workstation, and the Bruker Biospin software XWIN-NMR version 3.5 was used for evaluation. About 0.5 mg to 2 mg of the sample were dissolved in 550 ul of D₂O. The ¹H-NMR spectra were measured using 1024 to 12 000 scans, with a relaxation time of 1 s. The ¹H-NMR spectra were referenced to the water signal at 4.7 ppm.

8. Molecular Weight Analyses of Hyaluronan

a) Agarose Gel Electrophoresis

To characterize the size of the hyaluronan isolated from plants, an agarose gel electrophoresis-based system described by Lee and Cowman (1994, Anal. Biochem. 219, 278-287) or Armstrong and Bell (2002, Anal. Biochem. 308, 255-264) was used. To this end, hyaluronan-containing samples were applied to a 0.7% TEA (40 mM Tris, 5 mM sodium acetate, 0.8 mM EDTA, pH 7.9) agarose gel and separated in 1×TEA buffer at 50 V over a period of 3 hours. The agarose gel was then stained overnight using 0.005% Stains-all (3,3′-diethyl-9-methyl-4,5,4′,5′-dibenzothiacarbocyanine, Fluka, Prod. No. 85663) in 50% ethanol and 50% 1×TEA buffer, and the gel was then decolorized in water and scanned.

b) Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC)

At a concentration of 1 mg/ml⁻¹, the samples were dissolved in GPC mobile phase (0.2 M NaNO₃). To this end, the samples were initially stirred on a magnetic stirrer for 1 hour and then allowed to stand at room temperature for 20 hours for equilibration. Prior to the measurement, the samples were filtered through a 5 μm membrane filter. The samples were then analysed by GPC, where the refractive index, light scattering and the viscosity of the eluate were determined. The following instruments and materials were used:

GPC Conditions:

Instruments:

Gel Chromatograph PL120 from Polymer Laboratories, Midas Autosampler from Spark, DAWN-EOS light scattering detector from Wyatt Technology Santa Barbara with λ0=690 nm and 16 detectors at an angle range from 14.9° to 162.9°, K5 flow cell, Viscosity/refractive index combination detector η-1002 (WEG Dr. Bures GmbH & Co KG).

Columns:

SUPREMA Gel from PSS, Mainz, Germany

Precolumn and three columns with the separation ranges 300 to 10⁴; 5·10⁴ to 2·10⁶ and 10⁶ to 10⁸ were series-connected.

Elution:

Mobile phase 0.2 M NaNO₃, flow rate 0.8 ml/minute, temperature 30° C., injection volume 500 μl.

Evaluation:

Using the data obtained, the values given in the examples were calculated. The light scattering data were evaluated using the software ASTRA Software 4.90.08. The viscosity measurements were evaluated using PSS Win GPC 6.

9. Formula for the Calculation of Standard Deviations

Standard Deviations were calculated according to the following formula: Square root[nΣx ²−(Σx)² /n(n−1)]

Wherein x is the value of sample and n is the sum of samples used for determination of the Standard Deviation.

EXAMPLES 1 Preparation of the Plant Expression Vector IR 47-71

The plasmid pBinAR is a derivative of the binary vector plasmid pBin19 (Bevan, 1984, Nucl Acids Res 12: 8711-8721) which was constructed as follows:

A fragment of a length of 529 bp which comprised the nucleotides 6909-7437 of the 35S promoter of the cauliflower mosaic virus was isolated as EcoR I/Kpn I fragment from the plasmid pDH51 (Pietrzak et al, 1986 Nucleic Acids Res. 14, 5858) and ligated between the EcoR I and Kpn I restriction sites of the polylinker of pUC18. In this manner, the plasmid pUC18-35S was created. Using the restriction endonucleases Hind III and Pvu II, a fragment of a length of 192 bp which included the polyadenylation signal (3′ terminus) of the Octopin Synthase gene (gene 3) of the T-DNA of the Ti plasmid pTiACH5 (Gielen et al, 1984, EMBO Journal 3, 835-846) (nucleotides 11 749-11 939) was isolated from the plasmid pAGV40 (Herrera-Estrella et al, 1983 Nature, 303, 209-213). Following addition of Sph I linkers to the Pvu II restriction site, the fragment was ligated between the Sph I and Hind III restriction sites of pUC18-35S. This gave the plasmid pA7. Here, the entire polylinker comprising the 35S promoter and OCS terminator was removed using EcoR I and Hind III and ligated into the appropriately cleaved vector pBin19. This resulted in the plant expression vector pBinAR (Höfgen and Willmitzer, 1990, Plant Science 66, 221-230).

The promoter of the patatin gene B33 from Solanum tuberosum (Rocha-Sosa et al., 1989, EMBO J. 8, 23-29) was, as Dra I fragment (nucleotides −1512-+14), ligated into the Sst 1-cleaved vector pUC19 whose ends had been blunted using T4-DNA polymerase. This resulted in the plasmid pUC19-B33. From this plasmid, the B33 promoter was removed using EcoR I and Sma I and ligated into the appropriately restricted vector pBinAR. This resulted in the plant expression vector pBinB33.

To facilitate further cloning steps, the MCS (Multiple Cloning Site) was extended. To this end, two complementary oligonucleotides were synthesized, heated at 95° C. for 5 minutes, slowly cooled to room temperature to allow good fixation (annealing) and cloned into the Sal I and Kpn I restriction sites of pBinB33. The oligonucleotides used for this purpose had the following sequence:

5′-TCg ACA ggC CTg gAT CCT TAA TTA AAC TAg TCT CgA ggA gCT Cgg TAC-3′ 5′-CgA gCT CCT CgA gAC TAg TTT AAT TAA ggA TCC Agg CCT g-3′

The plasmid obtained was named IR 47-71.

2. Preparation of the Plant Expression Vector IR 103-123

a) Preparation of the Expression Vector ME5/6

pGSV71 is a derivative of the plasmid pGSV7 which is derived from the intermediate vector pGSV1. pGSV1 is a derivative of pGSC1700 whose construction was described by Cornelissen and Vanderwiele (Nucleic Acid Research 17, (1989), 19-25). pGSV1 was obtained from pGSC1700 by deletion of the carbenicillin resistance gene and deletion of the T-DNA sequences from the TL-DNA region of the plasmid pTiB6S3.

pGSV7 contains the replication origin of the plasmid pBR322 (Bolivar et al., Gene 2, (1977), 95-113) and the replication origin of the Pseudomonas plasmid pVS1 (Itoh et al., Plasmid 11, (1984), 206). Moreover, pGSV7 contains the selectable marker gene aadA from the transposon Tn1331 from Klebsiella pneumoniae which confers resistance to the antibiotics spectinomycin and streptomycin (Tolmasky, Plasmid 24 (3), (1990), 218-226; Tolmasky and Crosa, Plasmid 29(1), (1993), 31-40).

The plasmid pGSV71 was obtained by cloning a chimeric bar gene between the border regions of pGSV7. The chimeric bar gene contains the promoter sequence of the cauliflower mosaic virus for initiating transcription (Odell et al., Nature 313, (1985), 180), the bar gene from Streptomyces hygroscopicus (Thompson et al., Embo J. 6, (1987), 2519-2523) and the 3′-untranslated region of the nopaline synthase gene of the T-DNA from pTiT37 for terminating transcription and polyadenylation. The bar gene bestows tolerance to the herbicide glufosinate-ammonium.

In positions 198-222, the T-DNA contains the right border sequence of the TL-DNA from the plasmid pTiB6S3 (Gielen et al., EMBO J. 3, (1984), 835-846). Between the nucleotides 223-249, there is a polylinker sequence. The nucleotides 250-1634 contain the P35S promoter region of the cauliflower mosaic virus (Odell et al., see above). The coding sequence of the phosphinothricin resistance gene (bar) from Streptomyces hygroscopicus (Thompson et al. 1987, see above) is contained between nucleotides 1635-2186. Here, the two terminal codons on the 5′-terminus of the bar wild-type gene were replaced by the codons ATG and GAC. Between nucleotides 2187-2205, there is a polylinker sequence. The TaqI fragment, which has a length of 260 bp, of the non-translated 3′-terminus of the nopaline synthase gene (3′nos) from the T-DNA of the plasmid pTiT37 (Depicker et al., J. Mol. Appl. Genet. 1, (1982), 561-573) is located between nucleotides 2206 and 2465. The nucleotides 2466-2519 contain a polylinker sequence. The left border region of the TL-DNA from pTiB6S3 (Gielen et al., EMBO J. 3, (1984), 835-846) is located between nucleotides 2520-2544.

The vector pGSV71 was then cleaved using the enzyme PstI and blunted. From the vector pB33-Kan, the B33 promoter and the ocs cassette were excised as EcoRI-HindIII fragment, and the fragment was blunted by filling the ends and inserted into the vector pGSV71 which had been cleaved using PstI and blunted. The vector obtained (ME4/6) served as starting vector for constructing ME5/6: with doubling of the PstI restriction site, an oligonucleotide comprising the restriction sites EcoRI, PacI, SpeI, SrfI, SpeI, NotI, PM and EcoRI was introduced into the PstI restriction site of the vector ME4/6, which restriction site is located between the B33 promoter and the ocs element. The expression vector obtained was called ME5/6.

b) Preparation of the Plasmid pML72-129

In the sequel, a BamHI fragment of ME5/6 was exchanged for a PCR product which had been extended by a number of restriction sites but was otherwise identical, which gave the plasmid pUL1-17. Using the restriction enzymes HindIII and PstI, the B33 promoter present in pUL1-17 was excised and the vector was, after the ends had been blunted, religated, which gave the vector pML18-56. This vector was opened using MunI and PstI, and an MCS (Multiple Cloning Site) having corresponding sticky ends and synthesized using two annealed oligonucleotides (GAG CTC CTA GGC TCG AGT TAA CAC TAG TAA GCT TAA TTA AGA TAT CAT TTA CA (SEQ ID NO: 65) and AAT TGT AAA TGA TAT CTT AAT TAA GCT TAC TAG TGT TAA CTC GAG CCT AGG AGC TCT GCA (SEQ ID NO: 66)) was introduced. The plasmid formed in this manner was named pML72-129.

c) Preparation of the Plasmid pIR96-123

Once more, a modified polylinker was introduced into the plasmid pML72. To this end, the plasmid was cleaved using the restriction enzymes MunI and HpaI and ligated using a DNA fragment consisting of the two hybridized oligonucleotides MCS neuL1 (AAT TGT AAA TGA TAT CTT AAT TAA GCT TAC TAG TGT T (SEQ ID NO: 67)) and MCS neuL2 (AAC ACT AGT AAG CTT AAT TAA GAT ATC ATT TAC (SEQ ID NO: 68)). The resulting vector was named pIR96-123.

d) Preparation of the Plant Expression Vector pIR103-123

Subsequently, an Ecl136II/EcoRV PCR product for the globulin promoter from rice was ligated into the EcoRV restriction site of IR96-123, which gave the basis vector for an endosperm-specific expression of genes of various origins. Hereinbelow, this vector is referred to as IR103-123.

3. Synthesis of the Nucleic Acid Sequences Coding for an HAS Protein of Paramecium Bursaria Chlorella Virus 1

The nucleic acid sequence coding for an HAS (hyaluronan synthase) protein from Paramecium bursaria Chlorella virus 1, was synthesized by Medigenomix GmbH (Munich, Germany) and cloned into the vector pCR2.1 from Invitrogen (Prod. No. K2000-01). The plasmid obtained was named IC 323-215. The synthetic nucleic acid sequence coding for the HAS protein from Paramecium bursaria Chlorella virus 1 is shown under SEQ ID NO 3. The corresponding nucleic acid sequence originally isolated from Paramecium bursaria Chlorella virus 1 is shown under SEQ ID NO 1.

4. Synthesis of the Nucleic Acid Sequences Coding for an HAS-3 Protein from Homo sapiens

The nucleic acid sequence coding for an HAS-3 (hyaluronan synthase-3) protein from Homo sapiens was synthesized by Entelechon GmbH and cloned into the vector pCR4Topo from Invitrogen (Prod. No. K4510-20). The plasmid obtained was named IC 361-237. The synthetic nucleic acid sequence coding for the HAS-3 protein from Homo sapiens is shown in SEQ ID NO 7. The corresponding nucleic acid sequence originally isolated from Homo sapiens is shown under SEQ ID NO 5.

5. Preparation of the Plant Expression Vector IC 341-222, which Contains a Coding Nucleic Acid Sequence for an HAS Protein from Paramecium bursaria Chlorella Virus 1

By restriction digestion with BamH I and Xho I, the coding sequence of the HAS protein was isolated from the plasmid IC 323-215 and cloned into the BamH I and Xho I restriction sites of the plasmid IR 47-71. The plant expression vector obtained was referred to as IC 341-222.

6. Preparation of the Plant Expression Vector IC 362-237, which Contains a Coding Nucleic Acid Sequence for an HAS-3 Protein from Homo sapiens

Using the restriction endonucleases BamH I and Xho I, the coding sequence of the HAS gene was isolated from the plasmid IC 361-237 and cloned into the BamH I and Xho I restriction sites of IR 47-71. The plant expression vector obtained was referred to as IC 362-237.

7. Preparation of the Plant Expression Vector pBA 16, which Contains a Coding Nucleic Acid Sequence for an HAS Protein of Paramecium bursaria Chlorella Virus 1

Using the restriction endonuclease Asp 7181, the plasmid IC 323-215 was cleaved, the ends were blunted using Klenow polymerase and the resulting fragment was then once more cleaved using the restriction endonuclease Pac I. The fragment obtained in this manner was ligated into the plasmid IR103-123, which had been cleaved using the restriction endonucleases Pac I and Ecl136 II. The plant expression vector obtained was referred to as pBA16.

8. Preparation of the Plant Expression Vector pBA13, which Contains a Coding Nucleic Acid Sequence for an HAS-3 Protein from Homo sapiens

Using the restriction endonuclease Xho I and Stu I, the plasmid IC 362-237 was cleaved, and the fragment obtained was ligated into the plasmid IR 103-123, which had been cleaved using the restriction endonucleases Xho I and Ecl136 II. The plant expression vector obtained was referred to as pBA13.

9. Transformation of Plants with Plant Expression Vectors which Contain Nucleic Acid Molecules Coding for HAS Proteins

In independent transformations, potato plants were transformed with the plant expression vector IC 341-222, which contains a coding nucleic acid sequence for an HAS protein from Paramecium bursaria Chlorella virus 1 under the control of the promoter of the patatin gene B33 from Solanum tuberosum (Rocha-Sola et al., 1989, EMBO J. 8, 23-29), or with the plant expression vector IC 362-237, which contains a coding nucleic acid sequence for an HAS-3 protein from Homo sapiens under the control of the promoter of the patatin gene B33 from Solanum tuberosum (Rocha-Sola et al., 1989 EMBO J. 8, 23-29), using the method given under General Methods item 1. The transgenic potato plants obtained which had been transformed with the plasmid IC 341-222 were referred to as 365 ES. The transgenic potato plants obtained which had been transformed with the plasmid IC 362-237 were referred to as 383 ES.

In independent transformations, tomato plants were transformed with the plant expression vector IC 341-222, which contains a coding nucleic acid sequence for an HAS protein from Paramecium bursaria Chlorella virus 1 under the control of the promoter of the patatin gene B33 from Solanum tuberosum (Rocha-Sosa et al., 1989, EMBO J. 8, 23-29), or with the plant expression vector IC 362-237, which contains a coding nucleic acid sequence for an HAS-3 protein from Homo sapiens under the control of the promoter of the patatin gene B33 from Solanum tuberosum (Rocha-Sola et al., 1989 EMBO J. 8, 23-29), using the method given under General Methods item 2. The transgenic tomato plants obtained which had been transformed with the plasmid IC 341-222 were referred to as 367 ES. The transgenic tomato plants obtained which had been transformed with the plasmid IC 362-237 were referred to as 384 ES.

In independent transformations, rice plants were transformed with the plant expression vector pBA16, which contains a coding nucleic acid sequence for an HAS protein from Paramecium bursaria Chlorella virus 1 under the control of the promoter of the globulin gene from Oryza sativa (Wu et al., 1998, Plant Cell Physiol. 39(8), 885-889), or with the plant expression vector pBA13, which contains a coding nucleic acid sequence for an HAS-3 protein from Homo sapiens under the control of the promoter of the globulin gene from Oryza sativa, using the method given under General Methods item 3. The transgenic rice plants obtained which had been transformed with the plasmid pBA16 were referred to as Os-pBA16. The transgenic rice plants obtained which had been transformed with the plasmid pBA13 were referred to as Os-pBA13.

10. Analysis of the Transgenic Plants

a) Constructing a Calibration Line

A calibration line was constructed using the standard solutions enclosed in the commercial test kit (hyaluronic acid (HA) test kit from Corgenix, Inc., Colorado, USA, Prod. No. 029-001), according to the methods described by the manufacturer. To determine the extinction of 1600 ng/ml of hyaluronan, double the amount, based on the amount of enclosed standard indicated by the manufacturer, comprising 800 ng/ml of hyaluronan was used. In each case, three independent measurement series were carried out, and the corresponding mean was determined. This gave the following calibration line:

TABLE 1 Measure values for constructing a calibration line for the quantitative determination of the hyaluronan content in plant tissue. With the aid of software (Microsoft Office Excel 2002, SP2), the measured values obtained were entered into a diagram and the equation of the function of the trend line was determined (see FIG. 1). E_(450 nm) refers to the extinction at a wavelength of 450 nm, s.d. is the standard deviation of the calculated mean of the individual values. Independent Hyaluronan individual measurements concentration E_(450 nm) E_(450 nm) E_(450 nm) Mean s.d.  0 ng/ml 0.100 0.096 0.096 0.097 0.002  50 ng/ml 0.224 0.183 0.222 0.210 0.023 100 ng/ml 0.396 0.263 0.377 0.345 0.072 200 ng/ml 0.554 0.443 0.653 0.550 0.105 500 ng/ml 1.231 0.850 1.221 1.101 0.217 800 ng/ml 1.465 1.265 1.795 1.508 0.268 1600 ng/ml  2.089 2.487 3.170 2.582 0.547

b) Potato Tubers of Lines 365 ES

In a greenhouse, individual plants of the line 365 ES were cultivated in soil in 6 cm pots. In each case about 0.3 g of material of potato tubers of the individual plants was processed according to the method described under General Methods item 4. Using the method described under General Methods item 6, the amount of hyaluronan contained in the respective plant extracts was determined, with the aid of the calibration line shown in Example 10a) and FIG. 1. Here, the supernatant obtained after centrifugation was used in a dilution of 1:10 for determining the hyaluronan content. The following results were obtained:

TABLE 2 Amount of hyaluronan (in μg of hyaluronan per g of fresh weight) produced by independent transgenic plants of the line 365 ES. Column 1 refers to the plant from which tuber material was harvested (here, “wild type” refers to untransformed plants which, however, have the genotype used as starting material for the transformation). Column 2 indicates the amount of tuber material of the plant in question used for determining the hyaluronan content. Column 3 contains the measured extinction of a 1:10 dilution of the respective plant extract after the method described in General Methods item 5 had been carried out. Column 4 was calculated with the aid of the regression line equation (see FIG. 1) taking into account the dilution factor, as follows: ((value column 3 − 0.149)/0.00185) × 10. Column 5 indicates the amount of hyaluronan based on the fresh weight used and was calculated as follows: (value column 4/value column 2)/1000. Hyaluronan based on the Weight of the plant Amount of fresh weight of the plant material employed Extinction hyaluronan material Name of the plant [g] E450 [ng/ml] [μg/g] 365 ES 1 0.318 1.865 9276 29 365 ES 2 0.303 2.216 11 173   37 365 ES 3 0.305 0.112 — — 365 ES 4 0.310 1.812 8989 29 365 ES 5 0.298 1.761 8714 29 365 ES 6 0.324 1.022 4719 15 365 ES 7 1.410 6816 365 ES 8 0.323 0.101 — — 365 ES 9 0.305 0.902 4070 13 365 ES 10 0.309 2.040 10 222   33 365 ES 11 0.313 2.291 11 578   37 365 ES 12 0.305 1.399 6757 22 365 ES 13 0.297 2.746 14 038   47 365 ES 14 0.297 0.105 — — 365 ES 15 0.302 1.952 9746 32 365 ES 16 0.311 1.113 5211 17 365 ES 17 0.301 0.090 — — 365 ES 18 0.304 2.380 12 059   40 365 ES 19 0.302 2.308 11 670   39 365 ES 20 0.287 0.100 — — 365 ES 21 0.287 1.053 4886 17 365 ES 22 0.286 1.527 7449 26 365 ES 23 0.305 2.421 12 281   40 365 ES 24 0.303 0.093 — — 365 ES 25 0.296 1.310 6276 21 365 ES 26 0.303 1.051 4876 16 365 ES 27 0.306 0.118 — — 365 ES 28 0.301 2.123 10 670   35 365 ES 29 0.294 0.113 — — 365 ES 30 0.287 1.965 9816 34 365 ES 31 0.304 0.104 — — 365 ES 32 0.300 1.209 5730 19 365 ES 33 0.300 2.064 10 351   35 365 ES 34 0.305 1.321 6335 21 365 ES 35 0.303 1.826 9065 30 365 ES 36 0.302 1.386 6686 22 365 ES 37 0.309 1.327 6368 21 365 ES 38 0.290 1.631 8011 28 365 ES 39 0.306 1.332 6395 21 365 ES 40 0.297 2.753 14 076   47 365 ES 41 0.316 1.482 7205 23 365 ES 42 0.316 1.820 9032 29 365 ES 43 0.360 1.387 6692 19 365 ES 44 0.303 1.737 8584 28 365 ES 45 0.313 0.100 — — 365 ES 47 0.301 2.164 10 892   36 365 ES 48 0.302 0.093 — — 365 ES 49 0.300 2.160 10 870   36 365 ES 50 0.316 1.014 4676 15 365 ES 51 0.332 1.890 9411 28 365 ES 52 0.300 1.195 5654 19 365 ES 53 0.309 2.078 10 427   34 365 ES 55 0.290 0.102 — — 365 ES 56 0.307 1.854 9216 30 365 ES 57 0.306 1.385 6681 22 365 ES 58 0.297 2.091 10 497   35 365 ES 59 0.305 2.411 12 227   40 365 ES 60 0.306 2.217 11 178   37 365 ES 61 0.310 1.901 9470 31 365 ES 62 0.310 1.276 6092 20 365 ES 63 0.298 1.728 8535 29 365 ES 64 0.313 0.928 4211 13 365 ES 65 0.320 0.159  54 0 365 ES 66 0.314 2.729 13 946   44 365 ES 67 0.303 1.871 9308 31 365 ES 68 0.293 2.078 10 427   36 365 ES 69 0.304 1.950 9735 32 365 ES 70 0.287 1.665 8195 29 365 ES 71 0.308 1.139 5351 17 365 ES 72 0.211 0.122 — — 365 ES 73 0.190 1.754 8676 46 365 ES 74 0.306 4.000 20 816   68 365 ES 75 0.314 0.107 — — 365 ES 76 0.292 2.710 13 843   47 365 ES 77 0.306 2.366 11 984   39 365 ES 78 0.305 0.115 — — 365 ES 79 0.314 2.921 14 984   48 365 ES 80 0.308 2.693 13 751   45 365 ES 81 0.299 1.476 7173 24 365 ES 82 0.291 2.033 10 184   35 365 ES 83 0.303 0.102 — — 365 ES 84 0.321 2.562 13 043   41 365 ES 85 0.308 0.690 2924 9 365 ES 86 0.313 2.102 10 557   34 365 ES 87 0.306 3.381 17 470   57 365 ES 88 0.305 1.896 9443 31 365 ES 89 0.320 2.343 11 859   37 365 ES 90 0.299 0.106 — — 365 ES 91 0.306 0.106 — — 365 ES 92 0.303 3.268 16 859   56 365 ES 93 0.298 2.458 12 481   42 365 ES 94 0.301 1.605 7870 26 365 ES 95 0.304 0.114 — — 365 ES 96 0.304 3.000 15 411   51 365 ES 97 0.307 3.058 15 724   51 365 ES 98 0.306 4.000 20 816   68 365 ES 99 0.314 2.817 14 422   46 365 ES 100 0.302 0.119 — — 365 ES 101 0.307 1.591 7795 25 365 ES 102 0.302 0.114 — — Wild type 1 0.305 0.111 — — Wild type 2 0.300 0.114 — — Wild type 3 0.308 0.123 — —

c) Leaves of Potato Plants of Line 365 ES

From various selected potato plants of line 365 ES which had been cultivated in soil in 6 cm pots in a greenhouse, in each case 1 leaf was harvested and frozen in liquid nitrogen. The plant material was then comminuted in a laboratory oscillating bead mill (model MM200, Retsch, Germany), and in each case 200 μl of Tris/HCl buffer, pH 7.5, were then added and the suspension was thoroughly mixed and then centrifuged in an Eppendorf table-top centrifuge at 16 000×g for 5 minutes. The supernatant obtained was used for determining the hyaluronan content, which was carried out as described in Example 10b). However, for carrying out these measurements the leaf extract was not diluted. The following results were obtained:

TABLE 3 Detection of hyaluronan in leaves of selected potato plants of the transgenic line 365 ES. Detection was carried out using the method described under General Methods item 6. Extinction Plant material OD450 Wild type 0.136 365 ES 64 0.663 365 ES 52 0.591 365 ES 58 0.619

d) Leaves of Tomato Plants of the Line 367 ES

From various selected tomato plants of line 367 ES which had been cultivated in soil in a greenhouse, in each case 1 leaf was harvested and frozen in liquid nitrogen. Further work-up and the determination of the hyaluronan content were carried out as described in Example 10b) for leaves of potato plants. The following results were obtained:

TABLE 4 Detection of hyaluronan in leaves of selected tomato plants of the transgenic line 367 ES. Detection was carried out using the method described under General Methods item 6. Extinction Plant material OD450 Wild type 0.106 367 ES 26 3.120 367 ES 38 0.097 367 ES 16 0.474

After an extended growth period further leaves from independent transformed plants of the line 367 ES were screened for the presence of hyaluronan. Out of 72 plants originating from independent transformation events screened, more than 88% proved to synthesize a significant amount of hyaluronan (at least 0.1 μg hyaluronan per g fresh weight). For each plant the amount of hyaluronan in 2 to 8 leaves was determined separately for each leaf according to the method described under General Methods, item 6. The mean value of the amount of hyaluronan of independent plants varied between 0.1 and 46.8 μg hyaluronan per g fresh weight in leaves. Results for selected plants are shown in the following table:

TABLE 5 Detection of hyaluronan in leaves of selected tomato plants of the transgenic line 367 ES. Detection was carried out using the method described under General Methods item 6. The amount of hyaluronan is shown as the mean value of the values determined for 2 to 8 leaves harvested from each plant and the standard deviation was calculated according to the formula mentioned in General Methods item 9. Hyaluronan based on the fresh weight of the plant material Standard Plant material [μg/g] deviation 367 ES 18 15.78 25.4 367 ES 26 38.26 11.6 367 ES 41 40.40 13.3 367 ES 42 138.58 47.6 367 ES 47 80.25 30.1 Wild type −0.02 0

e) Fruits of Tomato Plants of the Line 367 ES

From various tomato plants of line 367 ES red fruits from plants which had been cultivated in soil in a greenhouse were harvested. The fresh weight of each single tomato fruit was determined. Each fruit was then chopped into small pieces and homogenized in a Warning Blendor. The homogenized, liquid material was collected and centrifuged for 5 min. at 2200×g. Solid material accumulating at the top of the tube was removed before the clear liquid solution was concentrated to a volume of about 2 ml by using centrifugal membrane filtration (Amicon, 10000 NMWL, Prod. Nr. UCF8 010 96) at 2200×g. The hyaluronan concentration of the concentrate was determined according to the method described under General Methods, item 6.

From 82 independent plants of line 367 ES more than 80% proved to synthesize a significant amount of hyaluronan (at least 0.1 μg hyaluronan per g fresh weight) in fruits. For each plant the amount of hyaluronan in 8 to 10 red fruits was determined separately for each fruit. The mean value of the amount of hyaluronan of independent plants varied between 0.1 and 8.4 μg hyaluronan per g fresh weight in fruits. Results for selected plants are shown in the following table:

TABLE 6 Detection of hyaluronan in fruits of selected tomato plants of the transgenic line 367 ES. Detection was carried out using the method described under General Methods item 6. The amount of hyaluronan is shown as the mean value of the values determined for 8 to 10 fruits harvested from each plant and the standard deviation was calculated according to the formula mentioned in General Methods item 9. Hyaluronan based on the fresh weight of the plant Plant material Standard material [μg/g] deviation 367 ES 18 4.61 3.7 367 ES 26 18.97 5.3 367 ES 41 14.21 9.8 367 ES 42 6.92 1.3 367 ES 44 5.58 3.5 367 ES 47 6.44 1.1 Wild type −0.02 0

The promoter of the patatin B33 gene used for expressing hyaluronan synthase in the potato plants of line 365 ES and in tomato plants of line 367 ES is activated not only in potato tubers or in tomato fruits, but, in the presence of high sucrose concentrations, also in other tissues of the plants in question. Accordingly, the good light conditions present in the greenhouse during the cultivation of the potato plants of the line 365 ES and the tomato plants of the line 367 ES evidently resulted in the expression of hyaluronan synthase even in leaf tissue, and it was therefore possible to isolate hyaluronan from these tissues of the plants in question, too. However, the amount of hyaluronan which could be isolated from leaves was significantly lower than that which could be isolated from tubers of the plants in question.

f) Immature Rice Seeds

Immature rice seeds (5 to 10 days after pollination) produced by individual plants of the line OS-pBA16, cultivated in soil in the greenhouse were collected, frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at −80° C. Three grains frozen grains of each individual plant were selected randomly, the endosperm was squeezed out, pooled weighted, and frozen in liquid nitrogen again. The sample was broken up with a Ball mill (Modell MM200, Firma Retsch, Germany), 100 μl Water was added, the homogenate was mixed, centrifuged (13000×g, 5 min) and the hyaluronan concentration of each sample was determined according to the method described under General Methods, item 6.

Out of 37 seed pools, each comprising 3 immature seeds from independent plants of line OS-pBA16 more than 70% proved to synthesize a significant amount of hyaluronan (at least 0.1 μg hyaluronan per g fresh weight) in seeds. The amount of hyaluronan in seed pools prepared from independent rice plants varied between 0.1 and 15.7 μg hyaluronan per g fresh weight. Results for seed pools each prepared from independent plants are shown in the following table:

TABLE 7 Detection of hyaluronan in seed pools, each prepared from independent plants of the transgenic line OS-pBA16. Detection was carried out using the method described under General Methods item 6. Hyaluronan based on the fresh weight of the plant material Plant material [μg/g] OS-pBA16 0612-00102 7.30 OS-pBA16 0612-00102 0.54 OS-pBA16 0612-00201 12.16 OS-pBA16 0612-00401 1.12 OS-pBA16 0612-00402 7.28 OS-pBA16 0612-00502 0.08 OS-pBA16 0612-00601 0.37 OS-pBA16 0612-00701 0.66 OS-pBA16 0612-00702 0.03 OS-pBA16 0612-00801 2.48 OS-pBA16 0612-00802 3.84 OS-pBA16 0612-00902 0.02 OS-pBA16 0612-01001 0.02 OS-pBA16 0612-01201 1.71 OS-pBA16 0612-01202 0.11 OS-pBA16 0612-01301 5.84 OS-pBA16 0612-01401 0.25 OS-pBA16 0612-01402 0.11 OS-pBA16 0612-01501 0.16 OS-pBA16 0612-01601 1.12 Wild type-1 0.01 Wild type-2 0.02 Wild type-3 0.02 OS-pBA16 0613-00101 4.43 OS-pBA16 0613-00102 1.95 OS-pBA16 0613-00301 0.25 OS-pBA16 0613-00401 15.72 OS-pBA16 0613-00402 0.38 OS-pBA16 0613-00502 0.87 OS-pBA16 0613-00601 0.02 OS-pBA16 0613-00602 0.01 OS-pBA16 0613-00701 0.23 OS-pBA16 0613-00702 0.80 OS-pBA16 0613-00801 1.72 OS-pBA16 0613-00802 0.15 OS-pBA16 0613-00902 0.02 OS-pBA16 0613-01001 0.02 OS-pBA16 0613-01002 0.01 OS-pBA16 0613-01102 0.24 OS-pBA16 0613-01202 9.48 OS-pBA16 0613-01301 13.44 OS-pBA16 0613-01302 9.79 OS-pBA16 0613-01501 0.63 OS-pBA16 0613-01502 6.78

g) Rice Flour

20-25 mature seeds were harvested from each transformed plant. Husks were removed by a dehusker (Laboratory Paddy Sheller, Grainman, Miami, Fla., USA) and brown rice grain was milled with a laboratory mill (Cyclotec, Sample mill, Foss, Denmark). To about 40 mg of the obtained rice flour from the pooled seeds of each independent plant, 1 ml water was added, the sample was mixed, centrifuged (13000×g, 5 min) and the hyaluronan concentration of the supernatant of each sample was determined according to the method described under General Methods, item 6. Results for selected flour samples prepared from independent plants are shown in the following table:

TABLE 8 Detection of hyaluronan in rice flour, sample prepared from 3 seeds of each independent plant of the transgenic line OS-pBA16. Detection was carried out using the method described under General Methods item 6. Hyaluronan based on the weight of the plant material Plant material [μg/g] OS-pBA16 0612-00101 2.03 OS-pBA16 0612-00102 1.19 OS-pBA16 0612-00201 1.94 OS-pBA16 0612-00402 4.24 OS-pBA16 0612-00502 1.19 OS-pBA16 0612-00601 1.64 OS-pBA16 0612-00602 2.51 OS-pBA16 0612-00701 0.87 OS-pBA16 0612-00702 1.04 OS-pBA16 0612-00801 3.61 OS-pBA16 0612-00802 3.88 OS-pBA16 0612-00902 1.02 OS-pBA16 0612-01001 0.58 OS-pBA16 0612-01201 4.86 OS-pBA16 0612-01202 2.96 OS-pBA16 0612-01301 11.30 OS-pBA16 0612-01401 1.64 OS-pBA16 0612-01402 1.50 OS-pBA16 0612-01501 4.54 OS-pBA16 0612-01601 1.90 OS-pBA16 0613-00101 3.46 OS-pBA16 0613-00102 3.94 OS-pBA16 0613-00301 3.32 OS-pBA16 0613-00401 5.21 OS-pBA16 0613-00402 3.45 OS-pBA16 0613-00502 5.20 OS-pBA16 0613-00601 0.83 OS-pBA16 0613-00602 0.77 OS-pBA16 0613-00701 2.63 OS-pBA16 0613-00702 3.77 OS-pBA16 0613-00801 1.55 OS-pBA16 0613-00802 2.81 OS-pBA16 0613-00902 2.65 OS-pBA16 0613-01001 1.06 OS-pBA16 0613-01002 0.59 OS-pBA16 0613-01102 1.19 OS-pBA16 0613-01202 10.18 OS-pBA16 0613-01301 5.02 OS-pBA16 0613-01302 3.84 OS-pBA16 0613-01501 4.00 OS-pBA16 0613-01502 5.63 OS-pBA16 0613-000101 0.63 OS-pBA16 0613-000103 0.58 OS-pBA16 0613-000104 0.87

11. Verification of Hyaluronan

a) Indirect Detection by Hyaluronidase Digestion

200 μl of hyaluronidase buffer were added to about 0.1 g of tuber material of selected plants of the line 365 ES which had been cultivated as described in Example 10a), and the material was worked up as in General Methods item 4. Half of the supernatant obtained from the centrifugation was then taken off, and hyaluronidase was added. The batch was incubated at 37° C. for 30 minutes, and the reaction mixture was then centrifuged again at 16 000×g for 5 minutes (see General Methods item 4). The supernatant obtained in this manner was used for determining the hyaluronan content. The other half of the solution which had been isolated from plants, but where no hyaluronidase had been added, was treated in the same manner. The following results were obtained:

TABLE 9 Proof of the digestibility of hyaluronan isolated from tubers of selected potato plants of the transgenic line 365 ES. The detection of the presence of hyaluronan was carried out in in each case two aliquots of identical extracts, where hyaluronidase (HAidase) was added to one aliquot of the identical extract but not to the corresponding aliquot, using the method described under General Methods item 6. Extinction Plant material OD450 without Wild type 0.104 HAidase 365 ES 87 0.910 digestion 365 ES 98 0.797 365 ES 78 0.106 with HAidase Wild type 0.095 digestion 365 ES 87 0.097 365 ES 98 0.098 365 ES 78 0.104

b) Detection of the Presence of Hyaluronan by NMR Spectroscopy

About 20 g of tuber material from hyaluronan-producing plants of the line 365 ES were peeled, cut into pieces of a size of about 1 cm³ and, after addition of 20 ml of water (demineralized, conductivity≧18 MΩ), comminuted in a Warring blender at maximum speed for about 30 seconds. The cell debris was then removed using a tea sieve. The removed cell debris was resuspended in 60 ml of water (demineralized, conductivity≧18 MO) and again removed using a tea sieve. The two suspensions obtained (50 ml+60 ml) were combined and centrifuged at 13 000×g for 15 minutes. NaCl was added to the centrifugation supernatant obtained to a final concentration of 1%. After the NaCl had gone into solution, precipitation was caused by adding twice the volume of ethanol followed by thorough mixing and incubation at −20° C. overnight. The mixture was then centrifuged at 13 000×g for 15 minutes. The sedimented precipitate obtained after this centrifugation was dissolved in 10 ml of water (demineralized, conductivity≧18 MΩ), and once more, NaCl was added to a final concentration of 1%. Another precipitation was carried out by adding twice the volume of ethanol, mixing thoroughly and incubating at −20° C. overnight. This was followed by centrifugation, dissolution and re-precipitation under the conditions just described. The precipitate obtained after the final centrifugation was dissolved in about 1 ml of water (demineralized, conductivity≧18 MΩ) and used for the 1H-NMR analysis under the conditions given in General Methods item 7. (See FIG. 3 B)).

In parallel, potato tubers of non-transformed wild-type plants were worked up in the same manner as just described and likewise subjected to a 1H-NMR analysis (see FIG. 3 A)). Furthermore, as comparative substance, hyaluronan isolated from rooster combs (Sigma, Prod. No. H5388) was subjected to a 1H-NMR analysis (see FIG. 3 C)).

Evaluation of the 1H-NMR analysis clearly showed the presence of an NH—C(O)—CH₃ group characteristic for N-acetyl-glucosamine in the extracts of the hyaluronan-producing plants and in the comparison sample (hyaluronan isolated from rooster combs), but not in the extracts from wild-type plants.

12. Molecular Weight Analysis of the Hyaluronan Produced in Plants

a) by Agarose Gel Electrophoresis

Work-up of the plant material was carried out as described under General Methods item 4. To this end, about 0.5 g of tuber material of selected plants of the line 365 ES was worked up in a total of 600 μl of water (demineralized, conductivity≧18 MΩ). The plant material was then separated by agarose gel electrophoresis and stained according to the method described under General Methods item 8.a). A picture of the agarose gel obtained is shown in FIG. 2. The following samples were applied to the agarose gel:

Lane A: about 3 μg of hyaluronan isolated from rooster combs (Sigma, Prod. No. H5388),

Lane B: about 3 μg of hyaluronan isolated from the culture supernatant of a fermentation of Streptococcus sp. (Calbiochem, Prod. No. 385908)

Lane C: 20 μl of the extract of a tuber from a wild-type plant

Lane D: 20 μl of the extract of a tuber from the line 365 ES 66

Lane E: 20 μl of the extract of a tuber from the line 365 ES 44

Lane F: 20 μl of the extract of a tuber from the line 365 ES 78

As is evident from Table 2, lines 365 ES 66 and 365 ES 74 are plants which produce hyaluronan, whereas line 365 ES 78 does not produce any hyaluronan. This is confirmed by the agarose gel analysis. Furthermore, on the agarose gel, it can be seen that the hyaluronan isolated from plant material, in contrast to hyaluronan isolated from rooster combs and in contrast to hyaluronan prepared by fermentation of Streptococcus species, has a considerably narrower molecular weight distribution.

b) By GPC Analysis

Tuber material of the following plants was used for isolating hyaluronan:

365 ES 2, 365 ES 18, 365 ES 44, 365 ES 58, 365 ES 74, 365 ES 92, 365 ES 4, 365 ES 19, 365 ES 47, 365 ES 59, 365 ES 76, 365 ES 93, 365 ES 5, 365 ES 21, 365 ES 49, 365 ES 60, 365 ES 79, 365 ES 96, 365 ES 6, 365 ES 22, 365 ES 50, 365 ES 61, 365 ES 80, 365 ES 98, 365 ES 23, 365 ES 51, 365 ES 67, 365 ES 81, 365 ES 99, 365 ES 9, 365 ES 33, 365 ES 52, 365 ES 68, 365 ES 84, 365 ES 101, 365 ES 10, 365 ES 41, 365 ES 53, 365 ES 70, 365 ES 85, 365 ES 16, 365 ES 44, 365 ES 57, 365 ES 71, 365 ES 87.

The tuber material originating from these plants was purified as described under General Methods item 5 (sample 2).

In parallel, potato tubers (about 100 gram) of wild-type plants were worked up in the same manner but, prior to comminution using a Warring blender, 5 mg of hyaluronan from rooster scomb (Sigma, Prod. No. H5388) were added to the peeled and diced tubers (sample 1). Furthermore, part of sample 1 was digested with hyaluronidase (see Example 11 a)) prior to GPC analysis (sample 3).

GPC analysis was carried out as described under General Methods item 8 b). The following results were obtained:

TABLE 10 Molecular weight determination (Mw) of hyaluronan isolated from tubers of wild-type potato plants admixed with hyaluronan isolated from rooster combs (sample 1), tubers of transgenic plants of the line 365 ES (sample 2) and tubers of transgenic plants of the line 365 ES, where the isolated hyaluronan had been subjected to hyaluronidase digestion prior to analysis (sample 3). Approximate amount of Hyaluronan powder concentration M_(w) of hyaluronan Sample [mg] [mg · ml⁻¹] [·10⁶ g mol⁻¹] 1 10 0.145 5.84 2 4.5 0.181 7.30 3 10 —

The values for the molecular weight obtained for added rooster comb hyaluronan (sample 1) agree with the values published in the literature (Lapcik et al., 1998, Chemical Reviews 98(8), 2663-2684).

Accordingly, the results show unambiguously that the hyaluronan isolated from transgenic plants has a significantly higher molecular weight than the hyaluronan which had been isolated from rooster combs and was treated under identical conditions.

All patents, patent applications, publications and database accession numbers referenced throughout this application are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for producing a flour comprising hyaluronan comprising grinding a part of a plant comprising a plant cell comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is stably integrated into is genome and codes for a hyaluronan synthase, wherein said plant cell produces hyaluronan, thereby producing flour.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said part of the plant is propagation material.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said part of the plant is a harvestable plant part.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said plant is potato, tomato, rice, maize or wheat.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein said plant is a potato plant and produces at least 29 μg hyaluronan per grain fresh weight of its tuber.
 6. The method of claim 4, wherein said plant is a tomato plant and produces at least 4 μg hyaluronan per gram fresh weight of its fruit.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein said nucleic acid is linked to a promoter.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein said promoter is a tissue-specific promoter.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein said promoter is a tuber-, fruit-, or seed-specific promoter.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein said nucleic acid is included in a vector.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein said nucleic acid is included in a plasmid.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein said plasmid is IC 341-222 or IC 362-237 deposited at the Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen and Zellkulturen GmbH (DSMZ) and having Accession No. DSM16664 or DSM16665, respectively.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein said nucleic acid molecule codes for a hyaluronan synthase comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, or SEQ ID NO:
 62. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein said nucleic acid molecule codes for a hyaluronan synthase comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, or SEQ ID NO:
 8. 15. The method of claim 1, wherein said nucleic acid molecule comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 23, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO: 33, SEQ ID NO: 35, SEQ ID NO: 37, SEQ ID NO: 39, SEQ ID NO: 41, SEQ ID NO: 43, SEQ ID NO: 45, SEQ ID NO: 47, SEQ ID NO: 49, SEQ ID NO: 51, SEQ ID NO: 53, SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQ ID NO: 57, SEQ ID NO: 59, or SEQ ID NO:
 61. 16. The method of claim 1, wherein said nucleic acid molecule comprises the nucleic sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 5, or SEQ ID NO:
 7. 17. The method of claim 1, wherein said nucleic acid molecule codes for a hyaluronan synthase Class I.
 18. The method of claim 1, wherein said nucleic acid molecule codes for a hyaluronan synthase from vertebrates or a viral hyaluronan synthase.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein said nucleic acid molecule codes for human hyaluronan synthase
 3. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein said nucleic acid molecule codes for a hyaluronan synthase of Paramecium bursaria Chlorella virus
 1. 21. The method of claim 1, wherein said nucleic acid molecule comprises the nucleic sequence of SEQ ID NO:
 1. 22. The method of claim 1, wherein said nucleic acid molecule comprises the nucleic sequence of SEQ ID NO:
 3. 23. The method of claim 1, wherein said nucleic acid molecule codes for a hyaluronan synthase comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:
 2. 24. The method of claim 20, wherein said plant is potato, tomato, rice, maize or wheat.
 25. The method of claim 21, wherein said plant is potato, tomato, rice, maize or wheat.
 26. The method of claim 22, wherein said plant is potato, tomato, rice, maize or wheat.
 27. The method of claim 23, wherein said plant is potato, tomato, rice, maize or wheat.
 28. The method of claim 24, wherein said plant is potato.
 29. The method of claim 25, wherein said plant is potato.
 30. The method of claim 26, wherein said plant is potato.
 31. The method of claim 27, wherein said plant is potato. 